80_FR_33612 80 FR 33499 - Application for New Awards; Charter Schools Program (CSP); Grants for Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools

80 FR 33499 - Application for New Awards; Charter Schools Program (CSP); Grants for Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 113 (June 12, 2015)

Page Range33499-33510
FR Document2015-14386

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 113 (Friday, June 12, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 113 (Friday, June 12, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33499-33510]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14386]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION


Application for New Awards; Charter Schools Program (CSP); Grants 
for Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools

AGENCY: Office of Innovation and Improvement, Department of Education.

ACTION: Notice.

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    Overview Information:
    CSP Grants for Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter 
Schools.
    Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 
2015.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.282M.

DATES: Applications Available: June 12, 2015.
    Date of Pre-Application Meeting: June 16, 2015, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 
p.m., Washington, DC, time.

[[Page 33500]]

    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 15, 2015.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: September 25, 2015.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Purpose of Program: The purpose of the CSP is to increase national 
understanding of the charter school model by expanding the number of 
high-quality charter schools available to students across the Nation; 
providing financial assistance for the planning, program design, and 
initial implementation of charter schools; and evaluating the effects 
of charter schools, including their effects on students, student 
academic achievement, staff, and parents.
    The purpose of the CSP Grants for Replication and Expansion of 
High-Quality Charter Schools (Replication and Expansion) competition 
(CFDA 84.282M) is to award grants to eligible applicants to enable them 
to replicate or expand high-quality charter schools with demonstrated 
records of success, including success in increasing student academic 
achievement. Eligible applicants may use their grant funds to expand 
the enrollment of one or more existing charter schools by substantially 
increasing the number of available seats per school or to open one or 
more new charter schools that are based on the charter school model for 
which the eligible applicant has presented evidence of success.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FY 2015 Replication and Expansion 
competition differs from the FY 2014 Replication and Expansion 
competition in several ways. First, for the FY 2015 competition, we are 
using the Low-Income Demographic priority from the final priorities, 
requirements, and selection criteria for this program, published in the 
Federal Register on July 12, 2011 (76 FR 40898) (Final Priorities), as 
an absolute priority. The Department has added this as an absolute 
priority in order to ensure that projects are designed to meet the 
needs of educationally disadvantaged students.
    Second, for FY 2015, the Department has consolidated three 
competitive preference priorities into a single competitive preference 
priority for projects designed to support specific types of high-need 
students. Applicants addressing this priority may select and address 
only one of these elements.
    Element (a) of Competitive Preference Priority 1--High Need 
Students is for projects designed to support students who are members 
of federally recognized Indian tribes. This priority is from the 
Secretary's final supplemental priorities and definitions for 
discretionary grant programs, published in the Federal Register on 
December 10, 2014 (79 FR 73425) (Final Supplemental Priorities). The 
Department understands that Native American communities confront unique 
educational challenges and have developed unique strategies to meet 
those challenges. This element is designed to encourage collaboration 
between charter school developers and Native American communities, as 
part of these communities' efforts to strengthen public education.
    Element (b) of Competitive Preference Priority 1--High Need 
Students is for projects designed to replicate and expand high-quality 
charter schools in order to support school improvement efforts by local 
educational agencies (LEAs). As one of the Department's top priorities 
is to help turn around the Nation's lowest-performing public schools, 
this element is designed to link LEAs with high-quality charter schools 
as effective partners in school intervention projects. This element 
comes from the Final Priorities for this program.
    Element (c) of Competitive Preference Priority 1--High Need 
Students is for projects designed to replicate and expand high-quality 
charter schools in federally designated Promise Zones, and is from the 
notice of final priority for promise zones, published in the Federal 
Register on March 27, 2014 (79 FR 17035) (Final Promise Zones 
Priority). Promise zones are part of an initiative by the President to 
designate, over a period of four years, 20 high-poverty communities for 
the Federal government to partner with, and invest in, to create jobs, 
increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, reduce 
violent crime, and leverage private investment. The Department is 
cooperating with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 
the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and nine other Federal agencies 
to support comprehensive revitalization efforts in these high-poverty 
urban, rural, and tribal communities across the country. The thirteen 
Promise Zones that have been designated thus far are located in Camden 
City NJ, the Chocktaw Nation of Oklahoma, East Indianapolis IN, Los 
Angeles CA, the Lowlands of South Carolina, Minneapolis MN, North 
Hartford CT, Philadelphia PA, Pine Ridge SD, Sacramento CA, San Antonio 
TX, Southeastern Kentucky, and St. Louis MO. Each of the lead entities 
for these Promise Zones has put forward a plan for how it will partner 
with local business and community leaders to make investments that 
reward hard work and expand opportunity.
    The Department also has added an invitational priority that 
encourages applicants to conduct rigorous evaluations of their proposed 
projects. If well-implemented, the evaluations will produce evidence 
about the project's effectiveness that meets What Works Clearinghouse 
Evidence Standards. The Department is particularly interested in 
rigorous evaluations of applicants' schools or specific practices 
within those schools.
    In addition, in January 2014, the Department updated Section E of 
the CSP Nonregulatory Guidance to clarify the circumstances in which 
charter schools receiving CSP funds may use weighted lotteries, 
including to give educationally disadvantaged students slightly better 
chances for admission. Applicants proposing to use weighted lotteries 
should review the information in the Note for Application Requirement 
(j) in section V of this notice and the updated CSP Nonregulatory 
Guidance. For information on the CSP lottery requirement, including 
permissible exemptions from the lottery and the circumstances under 
which charter schools receiving CSP funds may use weighted lotteries, 
see Section E of the CSP Nonregulatory Guidance atwww2.ed.gov/programs/charter/nonregulatory-guidance.html.
    Finally, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations 
Act, 2015 (FY 2015 Appropriations Act), Division G, Pub. L. 113-235, 
retains the authority from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 
(FY 2014 Appropriations Act), Division H, Public Law 113-76, for CSP 
grant recipients to use funds to support preschool education in charter 
schools. For information on the use of CSP funds to support preschool 
education in charter schools, see the ``Guidance on the use of Funds to 
Support Preschool Education'' at www2.ed.gov/programs/charter/csppreschoolfaqs.doc.
    All charter schools receiving CSP funds, as outlined in section 
5210(1)(G) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as 
amended (ESEA), must comply with various non-discrimination laws, 
including the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, title VI of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964, title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, part B of the 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (specifies rights afforded 
to students with disabilities and their parents), and applicable State 
laws.
    Priorities: This notice includes two absolute priorities, three 
competitive

[[Page 33501]]

preference priorities, and one invitational priority. The absolute 
priorities are from the Final Priorities for this program. The 
competitive preference priorities are from the Final Priorities for 
this program; the Final Promise Zones Priority; the Final Supplemental 
Priorities; and 34 CFR 75.225.
    Absolute Priorities: For FY 2015 and any subsequent year in which 
we make awards from the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition, these priorities are absolute priorities. Under 34 CFR 
75.105(c)(3), we consider only applications that meet both of the 
following priorities:
    Absolute Priority 1--Experience Operating or Managing High-Quality 
Charter Schools.
    This priority is for projects that will provide for the replication 
or expansion of high-quality charter schools by applicants that 
currently operate or manage more than one high-quality charter school 
(as defined in this notice).
    Absolute Priority 2--Low-Income Demographic.
    To meet this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that at least 
60 percent of all students in the charter schools it currently operates 
or manages are individuals from low-income families (as defined in this 
notice).

    Note 1:  The Secretary encourages applicants to describe the 
extent to which the charter schools they currently operate or manage 
serve individuals from low-income families at rates that are 
comparable to the rates at which these individuals are served by 
public schools in the surrounding area.


    Note 2:  For charter schools that serve students younger than 
five years old or older than 17 years old in accordance with their 
State's definition of ``elementary education'' or ``secondary 
education,'' at least 60 percent of all students in the schools who 
are between the ages of five and 17 must be individuals from low-
income families to meet this priority.

    Competitive Preference Priorities: For FY 2015 and any subsequent 
year in which we make awards based on the list of unfunded applications 
from this competition, these priorities are competitive preference 
priorities. Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we will award an additional 
five points to an application that addresses element (a) of Competitive 
Preference Priority 1; an additional four points to an application that 
addresses element (b) of Competitive Preference Priority 1; or an 
additional one point to an application that addresses element (c) of 
Competitive Preference Priority 1. An applicant may receive points 
under Competitive Preference Priority 1 for only one of the three 
elements. We will award an additional three points to an application 
that meets Competitive Preference Priority 2, and an additional two 
points to an application that meets Competitive Preference Priority 3. 
The maximum total competitive preference priority points an application 
can receive for this competition is 10.

    Note:  In order to receive points under these competitive 
preference priorities, the applicant must identify the priority or 
priorities that it is addressing and provide documentation that 
supports the identified competitive preference priority or 
priorities.

    These priorities are:
    Competitive Preference Priority 1--Serving High-Need Students. (0, 
1, 4, or 5 points).
    This priority is for projects that will serve high-need students 
through one of the methods described below. An application may receive 
priority points for only one element of Competitive Preference Priority 
1. Therefore, an applicant should address only one element of 
Competitive Preference Priority 1 and must specify which element (i.e., 
(a), (b) or (c)) it is addressing. If an applicant addresses more than 
one element of Competitive Preference Priority 1 and does not specify 
whether it is addressing element (a), (b), or (c), the application will 
be awarded priority points only for the element addressed in the 
application that has the highest maximum point value, regardless of the 
number of priority points the application is awarded for that 
particular element of Competitive Preference Priority 1.
    This priority is for projects that will serve high-need students 
through element (a), (b) or (c) as described below:
    (a) Supporting Students Who are Members of Federally Recognized 
Indian Tribes. (79 FR 73425) (0 or 5 points).
    To meet this priority, an application must demonstrate that the 
proposed project is designed to improve academic outcomes or learning 
environments, or both, for students who are members of federally 
recognized Indian tribes.

    Note:  Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how the proposed 
project is designed to serve students who are members of federally 
recognized Indian tribes through a variety of means, such as 
creating or expanding charter schools in geographic areas with large 
numbers of students who are members of federally recognized Indian 
tribes, conducting targeted outreach and recruitment, or including 
in the charters or performance contracts for the charter schools 
funded under the project specific performance goals for students who 
are members of federally recognized Indian tribes.

    (b) School Improvement. (76 FR 40898) (0 or 4 points).
    To meet this priority, an applicant must demonstrate that its 
proposed replication or expansion of one or more high-quality charter 
schools (as defined in this notice) will occur in partnership with, and 
will be designed to assist, one or more LEAs in implementing academic 
or structural interventions to serve students attending schools that 
have been identified for improvement, corrective action, closure, or 
restructuring under section 1116 of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA), and as described in the 
notice of final requirements for School Improvement Grants, published 
in the Federal Register on October 28, 2010 (75 FR 66363).\1\
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    \1\ In March 2015, the Department issued nonregulatory guidance 
on School Improvement Grants (SIGs), entitled ``Guidance on School 
Improvement Grants under Section 1003(g) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965, at www2.ed.gov/programs/sif/sigguidance032015.doc.

    Note:  Applicants in States operating under ESEA Flexibility 
that have opted to waive the requirement in ESEA section 1116(b) for 
LEAs to identify for improvement, corrective action, or 
restructuring, as appropriate, their Title I schools that fail to 
make adequate yearly progress (AYP) for two or more consecutive 
years may partner with LEAs to serve students attending priority or 
focus schools (see the Department's June 7, 2012 guidance entitled, 
``ESEA Flexibility,'' at www.ed.gov/esea/flexibility). The Secretary 
encourages such applicants to describe how their proposed projects 
would complement efforts to serve students attending priority or 
focus schools described in the State's approved request for waivers 
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under ESEA Flexibility.

    (c) Promise Zones. (79 FR 17035) (0 or 1 point).
    This priority is for projects that are designed to serve and 
coordinate with a federally designated Promise Zone.\2\
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    \2\ For additional information on Promise Zones, see 
www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/01/08/fact-sheet-president-obama-s-promise-zones-initiative.

    Note:  To view the list of designated Promise Zones and lead 
organizations please go to www.hud.gov/promisezones. The link to HUD 
Form 50153 (Certification of Consistency with Promise Zone Goals and 
Implementation), which has been cleared by the Office of Management 
and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act, is http://
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portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=HUD_Form_50153.pdf.

    Competitive Preference Priority 2--Promoting Diversity. (76 FR 
40898) (0 or 3 points).
    This priority is for applicants that demonstrate a record of (in 
the schools they currently operate or manage), as

[[Page 33502]]

well as an intent to continue (in schools that they will be creating or 
substantially expanding under this grant), taking active measures to--
    (a) Promote student diversity, including racial and ethnic 
diversity, or avoid racial isolation;
    (b) Serve students with disabilities at a rate that is at least 
comparable to the rate at which these students are served in public 
schools in the surrounding area; and
    (c) Serve English learners at a rate that is at least comparable to 
the rate at which these students are served in public schools in the 
surrounding area.
    In support of this priority, applicants must provide enrollment 
data as well as descriptions of existing policies and activities 
undertaken or planned to be undertaken.

    Note 1: An applicant addressing Competitive Preference Priority 
2--Promoting Diversity is invited to discuss how the proposed design 
of its project will encourage approaches by charter schools that 
help bring together students of different backgrounds, including 
students from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, to attain the 
benefits that flow from a diverse student body. The applicant should 
discuss in its application how it would ensure that those approaches 
are permissible under current law.


    Note 2: For information on permissible ways to meet this 
priority, please refer to the joint guidance issued by the 
Department's Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of 
Justice entitled, ``Guidance on the Voluntary Use of Race to Achieve 
Diversity and Avoid Racial Isolation in Elementary and Secondary 
Schools'' (www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/guidance-ese-201111.pdf) and ``Schools' Civil Rights Obligations to English 
Learner Students and Limited English Proficient Parents'' 
(www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/ellresources.html).

    Competitive Preference Priority 3--Novice Applicant. (34 CFR 
75.225(c)(2)) (0 or 2 points).
    This priority is for applicants that qualify as novice applicants. 
For purposes of this competition, ``novice applicant'' means an 
applicant for a grant from the Department that (i) has never received a 
Replication and Expansion grant; (ii) has never been a member of a 
group application, submitted in accordance with 34 CFR 75.127-75.129, 
that received a Replication and Expansion grant; and (iii) has not had 
an active discretionary grant from the Federal government in the five 
years before the deadline date for applications for new awards under 
this Replication and Expansion grant competition.
    For purposes of clause (iii) in the preceding paragraph, a grant is 
active until the end of the grant's project or funding period, 
including any extensions of those periods that extend the grantee's 
authority to obligate funds (34 CFR 75.225(b)).
    Invitational Priority: For FY 2015 and any subsequent year in which 
we make awards based on the list of unfunded applications from this 
competition, this priority is an invitational priority. Under 34 CFR 
75.105(c)(1), we do not give an application that meets this 
invitational priority any preference over other applications.
    This priority is:
    Invitational Priority--Rigorous Evaluation.
    The Secretary is particularly interested in funding applications 
that demonstrate that the applicant is currently conducting, or will 
conduct, a rigorous independent evaluation of the applicant's charter 
schools, or specific practices within those charter schools, such as 
professional development practices (e.g., teacher coaching or 
leadership training) through a quasi-experimental design study or 
randomized controlled trial that will, if well implemented, meet What 
Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards.

    Note 1: In accordance with 34 CFR 75.590, Replication and 
Expansion grant funds may be used to cover post-award costs 
associated with an evaluation under this invitational priority or an 
evaluation under selection criterion (e) in section V.2 of this 
notice, provided that such costs are reasonable and necessary to 
meet the objectives of the approved project.


    Note 2: We encourage applicants to review the following 
technical assistance resources on evaluation: (1) WWC Procedures and 
Standards Handbook: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/references/idocviewer/doc.aspx?docid=19&tocid=1; and (2) IES/NCEE Technical 
Methods papers: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/tech_methods/. In addition, 
we invite applicants to view two optional Webinar recordings that 
were hosted by the Institute of Education Sciences. The first 
Webinar discussed strategies for designing and executing well-
designed quasi-experimental design studies. Applicants interested in 
viewing this Webinar may find more information at the following Web 
site: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/news.aspx?sid=23. We also encourage 
applicants to review a second Webinar recorded by the IES that 
focused on more rigorous evaluation designs.

    This Webinar discusses strategies for designing and executing 
studies that meet WWC standards without reservations. Applicants 
interested in reviewing this Webinar may find more information at the 
following Web site: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/News.aspx?sid=18.
    Definitions:
    The following definitions are from 34 CFR 77.1 and the Final 
Priorities for this program.
    Ambitious means promoting continued, meaningful improvement for 
program participants or for other individuals or entities affected by 
the grant, or representing a significant advancement in the field of 
education research, practices, or methodologies. When used to describe 
a performance target, whether a performance target is ambitious depends 
upon the context of the relevant performance measure and the baseline 
for that measure. (34 CFR 77.1)
    Baseline means the starting point from which performance is 
measured and targets are set. (34 CFR 77.1)
    Charter management organization (CMO) is a nonprofit organization 
that operates or manages multiple charter schools by centralizing or 
sharing certain functions and resources among schools. (76 FR 40898)
    Educationally disadvantaged students includes, but is not 
necessarily limited to, individuals from low-income families (as 
defined in this notice), English learners, migratory children, children 
with disabilities, and neglected or delinquent children. (76 FR 40898)
    High-quality charter school is a school that shows evidence of 
strong academic results for the past three years (or over the life of 
the school, if the school has been open for fewer than three years), 
based on the following factors:
    (1) Increasing student academic achievement and attainment for all 
students, including, as applicable, educationally disadvantaged 
students served by the charter schools operated or managed by the 
applicant.
    (2) Either (i) Demonstrated success in closing historic achievement 
gaps for the subgroups of students described in section 
1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the ESEA at the charter schools operated or 
managed by the applicant, or;
    (ii) No significant achievement gaps between any of the subgroups 
of students described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the ESEA at 
the charter schools operated or managed by the applicant and 
significant gains in student academic achievement with all populations 
of students served by the charter schools operated or managed by the 
applicant.
    (3) Achieved results (including performance on statewide tests, 
annual student attendance and retention rates, high school graduation 
rates, college attendance rates, and college persistence rates where 
applicable and available) for low-income and other educationally 
disadvantaged students served by the charter schools operated or 
managed by

[[Page 33503]]

the applicant that are above the average academic achievement results 
for such students in the State.
    (4) No significant compliance issues (as defined in this notice), 
particularly in the areas of student safety and financial management. 
(76 FR 40898)
    Individual from low-income family means an individual who is 
determined by a State educational agency (SEA) or LEA to be a child, 
age 5 through 17, from a low-income family on the basis of (a) data 
used by the Secretary to determine allocations under section 1124 of 
the ESEA, (b) data on children eligible for free or reduced-price 
lunches under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, (c) 
data on children in families receiving assistance under part A of title 
IV of the Social Security Act, (d) data on children eligible to receive 
medical assistance under the Medicaid program under Title XIX of the 
Social Security Act, or (e) an alternate method that combines or 
extrapolates from the data in items (a) through (d) of this definition 
(see 20 U.S.C. 6537(3)). (76 FR 40898)
    Performance measure means any quantitative indicator, statistic, or 
metric used to gauge program or project performance. (34 CFR 77.1)
    Performance target means a level of performance that an applicant 
would seek to meet during the course of a project or as a result of a 
project. (34 CFR 77.1)
    Quasi-experimental design study means a study using a design that 
attempts to approximate an experimental design by identifying a 
comparison group that is similar to the treatment group in important 
respects. These studies, depending on design and implementation, can 
meet What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards (as defined in this 
notice) with reservations (but not What Works Clearinghouse Evidence 
Standards without reservations). (34 CFR 77.1)
    Randomized controlled trial means a study that employs random 
assignment of, for example, students, teachers, classrooms, schools, or 
districts to receive the intervention being evaluated (the treatment 
group) or not to receive the intervention (the control group). The 
estimated effectiveness of the intervention is the difference between 
the average outcome for the treatment group and for the control group. 
These studies, depending on design and implementation, can meet What 
Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards (as defined in this notice) 
without reservations. (34 CFR 77.1)
    Replicate means to open one or more new charter schools that are 
based on the charter school model or models for which the applicant has 
presented evidence of success. (76 FR 40898)
    Significant compliance issue means a violation that did, will, or 
could lead to the revocation of a school's charter. (76 FR 40898)
    Substantially expand means to increase the student count of an 
existing charter school by more than 50 percent or to add at least two 
grades to an existing charter school over the course of the grant. (76 
FR 40898)
    What Works Clearinghouse Evidence Standards means the standards set 
forth in the What Works Clearinghouse Procedures and Standards Handbook 
(Version 3.0, March 2014), which can be found at the following link: //
ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/DocumentSum.aspx?sid=19. (34 CFR 77.1)
    Program Authority: Consolidated and Further Continuing 
Appropriations Act, 2015 (FY 2015 Appropriations Act), Division G, Pub. 
L. 113-235; and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as 
amended (ESEA) (20 U.S.C. 7221-7221j).
    Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General 
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 
82, 84, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The OMB Guidelines to Agencies on 
Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR part 
180, as adopted and amended as regulations of the Department in 2 CFR 
part 3485. (c) The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 
200, as adopted and amended in 2 CFR part 3474. (d) The Final 
Priorities for this program. (e) The Final Promise Zones Priority.(f) 
The Final Supplemental Priorities.

    Note 1: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all 
applicants except federally recognized Indian tribes.


    Note 2: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply only to 
institutions of higher education.


    Note 3: The regulations in 34 CFR part 99 apply only to an 
educational agency or institution.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Discretionary grants.
    Estimated Available Funds: $40,000,000.
    Contingent upon the availability of funds and the quality of 
applications, we may make additional awards in FY 2016 and future years 
from the list of unfunded applications from this competition.
    Estimated Range of Awards: $500,000 to $3,000,000 per year.
    Estimated Average Size of Awards: $1,600,000 per year.
    Estimated Number of Awards: 19-25.

    Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this 
notice. The estimated range, average size, and number of awards are 
based on a single 12-month budget period. However, the Department 
may choose to fund more than 12 months of a project using FY 2015 
funds.

    Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Eligible Applicants: Non-profit charter management organizations 
(as defined in this notice) and other entities that are not for-profit 
entities. Eligible applicants may also apply as a group or consortium.
    2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This competition does not require cost 
sharing or matching.
    3. Other:
    (a) Reasonable and Necessary Costs: The Secretary may elect to 
impose maximum limits on the amount of grant funds that may be awarded 
per charter school replicated, per charter school substantially 
expanded, or per new school seat created.
    For this competition the maximum limit of grant funds that may be 
awarded per new school seat is $3,000, including a maximum limit per 
new school created of $800,000. The maximum limit per new school seat 
in a charter school that is substantially expanding its enrollment is 
$1,500, including a maximum limit per substantially expanded school of 
$800,000.

    Note: Applicants must ensure that all costs included in the 
proposed budget are reasonable and necessary in light of the goals 
and objectives of the proposed project. Any costs determined by the 
Secretary to be unreasonable or unnecessary will be removed from the 
final approved budget.

    (b) Other CSP Grants: A charter school that receives funds under 
this competition is ineligible to receive funds for the same purpose 
under section 5202(c)(2) of the ESEA, including for planning and 
program design or the initial implementation of a charter school (i.e., 
CFDA 84.282A or 84.282B).
    A charter school that has received CSP funds for replication 
previously, or that has received funds for planning or initial 
implementation of a charter school (i.e., CFDA 84.282A or 84.282B), may 
not use funds under this grant for the same purpose. However, such 
charter schools may be eligible to receive funds under this competition 
to substantially expand the charter school beyond the existing grade 
levels or student count.

[[Page 33504]]

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to Request Application Package: Brian Martin, U.S. 
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 4W224, 
Washington, DC 20202-5970. Telephone: (202) 205-9085 or by email: 
[email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a text 
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-
800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application 
package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, 
or compact disc) by contacting the program contact person listed in 
this section.
    2.a. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements 
concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you 
must submit, are in the application package for this competition.
    Page Limit: The application narrative (Part III of the application) 
is where you, the applicant, address the selection criteria that 
reviewers use to evaluate your application. We recommend that you limit 
the application narrative [Part III] to no more than 60 pages, using 
the following standards:
     A ``page'' is 8.5'' x 11'', on one side only, with 1'' 
margins at the top, bottom, and both sides.
     Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) 
all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, 
footnotes, quotations, references, and captions, as well as all text in 
charts, tables, figures, and graphs.
     Use a font that is either 12 point or larger or no smaller 
than 10 pitch (characters per inch).
     Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, 
Courier New, or Arial. An application submitted in any other font 
(including Times Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be accepted.
    The page limit does not apply to Part I, the cover sheet; Part II, 
the budget section, including the narrative budget justification; Part 
IV, the assurances and certifications; or the one-page abstract, the 
resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of support. However, the page 
limit does apply to all of the application narrative section [Part 
III].
    b. Submission of Proprietary Information:
    Given the types of projects that may be proposed in applications 
for the Replication and Expansion competition, an application may 
include business information that the applicant considers proprietary. 
The Department's regulations define ``business information'' in 34 CFR 
5.11.
    Because we plan to make successful applications available to the 
public, you may wish to request confidentiality of business 
information.
    Consistent with Executive Order 12600, please designate in your 
application any information that you feel is exempt from disclosure 
under Exemption 4 of the Freedom of Information Act. In the appropriate 
Appendix section of your application, under ``Other Attachments Form,'' 
please list the page number or numbers on which we can find this 
information. For additional information please see 34 CFR 5.11(c).
    3. Submission Dates and Times:
    Applications Available: June 12, 2015.
    Date of Pre-Application Meeting: The Department will hold a pre-
application meeting via Webinar for prospective applicants on June 16, 
2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Washington, DC, time. Individuals 
interested in attending this meeting are encouraged to pre-register by 
emailing their name, organization, and contact information with the 
subject heading ``PRE-APPLICATION MEETING'' to [email protected]. 
There is no registration fee for attending this meeting.
    For further information about the pre-application meeting, contact 
Brian Martin, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., 
Room 4W224, Washington, DC 20202-5970. Telephone: (202) 205-9085 or by 
email: [email protected].
    Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 15, 2015.
    Applications for grants under this competition must be submitted 
electronically using the Grants.gov Apply site (Grants.gov). For 
information (including dates and times) about how to submit your 
application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, please refer to section IV. 7. Other Submission 
Requirements of this notice.
    We do not consider an application that does not comply with the 
deadline requirements.
    Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact 
the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT in section VII 
of this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or 
auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the 
application process, the individual's application remains subject to 
all other requirements and limitations in this notice.
    Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: September 25, 2015.
    4. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive 
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 
12372 is in the application package for this competition.
    5. Funding Restrictions: Grantees under this program must use the 
grant funds to replicate or substantially expand the charter school 
model or models for which the applicant has presented evidence of 
success. Grant funds must be used to carry out allowable activities, as 
described in section 5204(f)(3) of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7221c(f)(3)).
    Pursuant to section 5204(f)(3) of the ESEA, grantees under this 
program must use the grant funds for--
    (a) Post-award planning and design of the educational program, 
which may include: (i) Refinement of the desired educational results 
and of the methods for measuring progress toward achieving those 
results; and (ii) professional development of teachers and other staff 
who will work in the charter school; and
    (b) Initial implementation of the charter school, which may 
include: (i) Informing the community about the school; (ii) acquiring 
necessary equipment and educational materials and supplies; (iii) 
acquiring or developing curriculum materials; and (iv) other initial 
operational costs that cannot be met from State or local sources.

    Note 1:  The FY 2015 Appropriations Act authorizes the use of 
CSP funds ``for grants that support preschool education in charter 
schools.'' Therefore, an application submitted under this 
competition may propose to use CSP funds to support preschool 
education in a charter school. For additional information and 
guidance regarding the use of CSP funds to support preschool 
education in charter schools, see ``Guidance on the use of Funds to 
support Preschool Education,'' released in November 2014 
(www2.ed.gov/programs/charter/csppreschoolfaqs.doc).


    Note 2:  In accordance with the Final Priorities for this 
program, a grantee may use up to 20 percent of grant funds for 
initial operational costs associated with the expansion or 
improvement of the grantee's oversight or management of its charter 
schools, provided that: (i) the specific charter schools being 
created or substantially expanded under the grant are the intended 
beneficiaries of such expansion or

[[Page 33505]]

improvement, and (ii) such expansion or improvement is intended to 
improve the grantee's ability to manage or oversee the charter 
schools created or substantially expanded under the grant.

    We reference additional regulations outlining funding restrictions 
in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.
    6. Data Universal Numbering System Number, Taxpayer Identification 
Number, and System for Award Management: To do business with the 
Department of Education, you must--
    a. Have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and a 
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN);
    b. Register both your DUNS number and TIN with the System for Award 
Management (SAM) (formerly the Central Contractor Registry (CCR)), the 
Government's primary registrant database;
    c. Provide your DUNS number and TIN on your application; and
    d. Maintain an active SAM registration with current information 
while your application is under review by the Department and, if you 
are awarded a grant, during the project period.
    You can obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet. A DUNS number 
can be created within one-to-two business days.
    If you are a corporate entity, agency, institution, or 
organization, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue Service. 
If you are an individual, you can obtain a TIN from the Internal 
Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration. If you need a 
new TIN, please allow 2-5 weeks for your TIN to become active.
    The SAM registration process can take approximately seven business 
days, but may take upwards of several weeks, depending on the 
completeness and accuracy of the data entered into the SAM database by 
an entity. Thus, if you think you might want to apply for Federal 
financial assistance under a program administered by the Department, 
please allow sufficient time to obtain and register your DUNS number 
and TIN. We strongly recommend that you register early.

    Note:  Once your SAM registration is active, you will need to 
allow 24 to 48 hours for the information to be available in 
Grants.gov and before you can submit an application through 
Grants.gov.

    If you are currently registered with SAM, you may not need to make 
any changes. However, please make certain that the TIN associated with 
your DUNS number is correct. Also note that you will need to update 
your registration annually. This may take three or more business days.
    Information about SAM is available at www.SAM.gov. To further 
assist you with obtaining and registering your DUNS number and TIN in 
SAM or updating your existing SAM account, we have prepared a SAM.gov 
Tip Sheet, which you can find at: www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/;sam-
faqs.html.
    In addition, if you are submitting your application via Grants.gov, 
you must (1) be designated by your organization as an Authorized 
Organization Representative (AOR); and (2) register yourself with 
Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these steps are outlined at the 
following Grants.gov Web page: www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.
    7. Other Submission Requirements. Applications for grants under 
this competition must be submitted electronically unless you qualify 
for an exception to this requirement in accordance with the 
instructions in this section.
    a. Electronic Submission of Applications.
    Applications for grants under the CSP Grants for Replication and 
Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools, CFDA number 84.282M, must be 
submitted electronically using the Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site 
at www.Grants.gov. Through this site, you will be able to download a 
copy of the application package, complete it offline, and then upload 
and submit your application. You may not email an electronic copy of a 
grant application to us.
    We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format 
unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of 
the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no 
later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written 
statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these 
exceptions. Further information regarding calculation of the date that 
is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in 
this section under Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement.
    You may access the electronic grant application for CSP Grants for 
Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools at 
www.Grants.gov. You must search for the downloadable application 
package for this competition by the CFDA number. Do not include the 
CFDA number's alpha suffix in your search (e.g., search for 84.282, not 
84.282M).
    Please note the following:
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation.
     Applications received by Grants.gov are date and time 
stamped. Your application must be fully uploaded and submitted and must 
be date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than 4:30:00 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Except as 
otherwise noted in this section, we will not accept your application if 
it is received--that is, date and time stamped by the Grants.gov 
system--after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application 
deadline date. We do not consider an application that does not comply 
with the deadline requirements. When we retrieve your application from 
Grants.gov, we will notify you if we are rejecting your application 
because it was date and time stamped by the Grants.gov system after 
4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date.
     The amount of time it can take to upload an application 
will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the 
application and the speed of your Internet connection. Therefore, we 
strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline 
date to begin the submission process through Grants.gov.
     You should review and follow the Education Submission 
Procedures for submitting an application through Grants.gov that are 
included in the application package for this competition to ensure that 
you submit your application in a timely manner to the Grants.gov 
system. You can also find the Education Submission Procedures 
pertaining to Grants.gov under News and Events on the Department's G5 
system home page at www.G5.gov.
     You will not receive additional point value because you 
submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you 
if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your 
application in paper format.
     You must submit all documents electronically, including 
all information you typically provide on the following forms: the 
Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of 
Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and 
certifications.
     You must upload any narrative sections and all other 
attachments to your application as files in a .PDF (Portable Document) 
read-only, non-modifiable format. Specifically, do not upload an 
interactive or fillable .PDF

[[Page 33506]]

file. Do not upload an interactive or fillable PDF file. If you upload 
a file type other than a read-only, non-modifiable .PDF or submit a 
password-protected file, we will not review that material.
     Your electronic application must comply with any page-
limit requirements described in this notice.
     After you electronically submit your application, you will 
receive from Grants.gov an automatic notification of receipt that 
contains a Grants.gov tracking number. (This notification indicates 
receipt by Grants.gov only, not receipt by the Department.) The 
Department then will retrieve your application from Grants.gov and send 
a second notification to you by email. This second notification 
indicates that the Department has received your application and has 
assigned your application a PR/Award number (an ED-specified 
identifying number unique to your application).
     We may request that you provide us original signatures on 
forms at a later date.
    Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of Technical Issues 
with the Grants.gov System: If you are experiencing problems submitting 
your application through Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov 
Support Desk, toll free, at 1-800-518-4726. You must obtain a 
Grants.gov Support Desk Case Number and must keep a record of it.
    If you are prevented from electronically submitting your 
application on the application deadline date because of technical 
problems with the Grants.gov system, we will grant you an extension 
until 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, the following business day to 
enable you to transmit your application electronically or by hand 
delivery. You also may mail your application by following the mailing 
instructions described elsewhere in this notice.
    If you submit an application after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC 
time, on the application deadline date, please contact the person 
listed under For Further Information Contact in section VII of this 
notice and provide an explanation of the technical problem you 
experienced with Grants.gov, along with the Grants.gov Support Desk 
Case Number. We will accept your application if we can confirm that a 
technical problem occurred with the Grants.gov system and that that 
problem affected your ability to submit your application by 4:30:00 
p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. The 
Department will contact you after a determination is made on whether 
your application will be accepted.

    Note:  The extensions to which we refer in this section apply 
only to the unavailability of, or technical problems with, the 
Grants.gov system. We will not grant you an extension if you failed 
to fully register to submit your application to Grants.gov before 
the application deadline date and time or if the technical problem 
you experienced is unrelated to the Grants.gov system.

    Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an 
exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your 
application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application 
through the Grants.gov system because--
     You do not have access to the Internet; or
     You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to 
the Grants.gov system; and
     No later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the 
application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business 
day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement 
to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception 
prevent you from using the Internet to submit your application.
    If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be 
postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline 
date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must 
receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the 
application deadline date.
    Address and mail or fax your statement to: Brian Martin, U.S. 
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 4W224, 
Washington, DC 20202-5970. FAX: (202) 205-5630.
    Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the 
mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice.
    b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a 
commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail 
the original and two copies of your application, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:
    U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, 
Attention: CFDA Number 84.282M, LBJ Basement Level 1, 400 Maryland 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:
    (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.
    (2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the 
U.S. Postal Service.
    (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial 
carrier.
    (4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the 
U.S. Department of Education.
    If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do 
not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:
    (1) A private metered postmark.
    (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.
    If your application is postmarked after the application deadline 
date, we will not consider your application.

    Note:  The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a 
dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with 
your local post office.

    c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.
    If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission 
requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper 
application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original 
and two copies of your application by hand, on or before the 
application deadline date, to the Department at the following address: 
U.S. Department of Education, Application Control Center, Attention: 
CFDA Number 84.282M, 550 12th Street, SW., Room 7039, Potomac Center 
Plaza, Washington, DC 20202-4260.
    The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily 
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, except 
Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.

    Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications:  If you 
mail or hand deliver your application to the Department--
    (1) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by 
the Department--in Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number, including 
suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are 
submitting your application; and
    (2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a 
notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not 
receive this notification within 15 business days from the 
application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of 
Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Application Requirements: Applications for CSP Replication and 
Expansion grant funds must address the following application 
requirements and

[[Page 33507]]

the selection criteria described in this notice. An applicant may 
choose to respond to the application requirements in the context of its 
responses to the selection criteria.
    These application requirements are from the Final Priorities for 
this program.
    (a) Describe the objectives of the project for replicating or 
substantially expanding high-quality charter schools (as defined in 
this notice) and the methods by which the applicant will determine its 
progress toward achieving those objectives.
    (b) Describe how the applicant currently operates or manages the 
charter schools for which it has presented evidence of success, and how 
the proposed new or substantially expanded charter schools will be 
operated or managed. Include a description of central office functions, 
governance, daily operations, financial management, human resources 
management, and instructional management. If applying as a group or 
consortium, describe the roles and responsibilities of each member of 
the group or consortium and how each member will contribute to this 
project.
    (c) Describe how the applicant will ensure that each proposed new 
or substantially expanded charter school receives its commensurate 
share of Federal education funds that are allocated by formula each 
year, including during the first year of operation of the school and 
any year in which the school's enrollment substantially expands.
    (d) Describe the educational program to be implemented in the 
proposed new or substantially expanded charter schools, including how 
the program will enable all students (including educationally 
disadvantaged students) to meet State student academic achievement 
standards, the grade levels or ages of students to be served, and the 
curriculum and instructional practices to be used.

    Note:  An applicant proposing to create or substantially expand 
a single-sex charter school should include in its application, or as 
an addendum to the application, a detailed description of how it is 
complying with applicable nondiscrimination laws, including the 
Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution (as interpreted in 
United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515 (1996) and other cases) and 
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et 
seq.) and its regulations, including 34 CFR 106.34(c). Specifically, 
the applicant should provide a written justification for each new or 
existing single-sex charter school that explains (1) how the single-
sex charter school is based on an important governmental 
objective(s); and (2) how the single-sex nature of the charter 
school is substantially related to the stated objective(s). An 
applicant that operates or is proposing to operate a single-sex 
charter school that is part of an LEA and not a single-school LEA 
under State law, should also provide (1) information about whether 
there is a substantially equal single-sex school(s) for students of 
the excluded sex, and, if so, a detailed description of both the 
current or proposed single-sex charter school and the substantially 
equal single-sex school(s), based on the factors in 34 CFR 
106.34(c)(3); and (2) information about whether there is a 
substantially equal coeducational school(s) for students of the 
excluded sex, and, if so, a detailed description of both the current 
or proposed single-sex charter school and the substantially equal 
coeducational school(s), based on the factors in 34 CFR 
106.34(c)(3).

    An applicant that currently offers or is proposing to create or 
expand single-sex classes or extracurricular activities at a 
coeducational charter school should also include in its application, or 
as an addendum to its application, a detailed description of how it 
will comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws, including the Equal 
Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution (as interpreted in United 
States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515 (1996) and other cases) and Title IX 
of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) and its 
regulations, including 34 CFR 106.34(b) with respect to those single-
sex offerings. The Title IX requirements are discussed in more detail 
in the Department's ``Questions and Answers on Title IX and Single-Sex 
Elementary and Secondary Classes and Extracurricular Activities,'' 
available at www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/faqs-title-ix-single-sex-201412.pdf.
    (e) Describe the administrative relationship between the charter 
school or schools to be replicated or substantially expanded by the 
applicant and the authorized public chartering agency.
    (f) Describe how the applicant will provide for continued operation 
of the proposed new or substantially expanded charter school or schools 
once the Federal grant has expired.
    (g) Describe how parents and other members of the community will be 
involved in the planning, program design, and implementation of the 
proposed new or substantially expanded charter school or schools.
    (h) Include a request and justification for waivers of any Federal 
statutory or regulatory provisions that the applicant believes are 
necessary for the successful operation of the proposed new or 
substantially expanded charter schools.
    (i) Describe how the grant funds will be used, including how these 
funds will be used in conjunction with other Federal programs 
administered by the Secretary, and with any matching funds.
    (j) Describe how all students in the community, including students 
with disabilities, English learners, and other educationally 
disadvantaged students, will be informed about the proposed new or 
substantially expanded charter schools and given an equal opportunity 
to attend such schools.

    Note:  The applicant should provide a detailed description of 
its recruitment and admissions policies and practices, including a 
description of the lottery it plans to employ at each charter school 
if more students apply for admission than can be accommodated. The 
applicant should also describe any current or planned use of a 
weighted lottery or exemptions of certain categories of students 
from the lottery and how the use of such weights or exemptions is 
consistent with State law and the CSP authorizing statute. For 
information on the CSP lottery requirement, including permissible 
exemptions from the lottery and the circumstances under which 
charter schools receiving CSP funds may use weighted lotteries, see 
Section E of the CSP Nonregulatory Guidance atwww2.ed.gov/programs/charter/nonregulatory-guidance.html (revised January 2014).

    An application that proposes to use a weighted lottery should 
provide the following:
    (1) Information concerning the circumstances in which a weighted 
lottery would be used, including the specific categories of students 
the weighted lottery would favor;
    (2) Evidence that (a) the use of a weighted lottery is necessary to 
comply with Federal or State law; or (b) the State permits the use of a 
weighted lottery under the circumstances in which a weighted lottery is 
proposed to be used (e.g., in favor of educationally disadvantaged 
students). State permission to use a weighted lottery can be evidenced 
by the fact that weighted lotteries for such students are expressly 
permitted under the State charter school law, a State regulation, or a 
written State policy consistent with the State charter school law or 
regulation, or, in the absence of express authorization, confirmation 
from the State's Attorney General, in writing, that State law permits 
the use of weighted lotteries in favor of such students;
    (3) Information concerning the mechanisms that exist (if any) for 
an oversight entity (e.g., the SEA or an authorized public chartering 
agency) to review, approve, or monitor specific lottery practices, 
including the establishment of weight amounts if applicable;
    (4) Information concerning how the use of a weighted lottery for a 
permitted purpose is within the scope and objectives of the proposed 
project; and

[[Page 33508]]

    (5) Information concerning the amount or range of lottery weights 
that will be employed or permitted and the rationale for these weights.
    (k) Describe how the proposed new or substantially expanded charter 
schools that are considered to be LEAs under State law, or the LEAs in 
which the new or substantially expanded charter schools are located, 
will comply with sections 613(a)(5) and 613(e)(1)(B) of the Individuals 
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (for additional information on 
IDEA, please see idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute%2CI%2CB%2C613%2C).
    (l) Provide information on any significant compliance issues 
identified within the past three years for each school managed by the 
applicant, including compliance issues in the areas of student safety, 
financial management, and statutory or regulatory compliance.
    (m) For each charter school currently operated or managed by the 
applicant, provide the following information: the year founded, the 
grades currently served, the number of students, the address, the 
percentage of students in each subgroup of students described in 
section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the ESEA, results on the State 
assessment for the past three years (if available) by subgroup, 
attendance rates, student attrition rates for the past three years, and 
(if the school operates a 12th grade) high school graduation rates and 
college attendance rates (maintaining standards to protect personally 
identifiable information).

    Note:  The Secretary encourages applicants to also provide 
suspension and expulsion rates by each subgroup for the past three 
years (if available) for each charter school currently operated or 
managed by the applicant.

    (n) Provide objective data showing applicant quality. In 
particular, the Secretary requires the applicant to provide the 
following data:
    (1) Performance (school-wide and by subgroup) for the past three 
years (if available) on statewide tests of all charter schools operated 
or managed by the applicant as compared to all students in other 
schools in the State or States at the same grade level, and as compared 
with other schools serving similar demographics of students 
(maintaining standards to protect personally identifiable information);
    (2) Annual student attendance and retention rates (school-wide and 
by subgroup) for the past three years (or over the life of the school, 
if the school has been open for fewer than three years), and 
comparisons with other similar schools (maintaining standards to 
protect personally identifiable information); and
    (3) Where applicable and available, high school graduation rates, 
college attendance rates, and college persistence rates (school-wide 
and by subgroup) for the past three years (if available) of students 
attending schools operated or managed by the applicant, and the 
methodology used to calculate these rates (maintaining standards to 
protect personally identifiable information). When reporting data for 
schools in States that may have particularly demanding or low standards 
of proficiency, applicants are invited to discuss how their academic 
success might be considered against applicants from across the country.
    (o) Provide such other information and assurances as the Secretary 
may require.
    2. Selection Criteria. The selection criteria for this program are 
from the Final Priorities for this program and 34 CFR 75.210. The 
maximum possible score for addressing all of the criteria in this 
section is 100 points. The maximum possible score for addressing each 
criterion is indicated in parentheses following the criterion.
    In evaluating an application, the Secretary considers the following 
criteria:
    (a) Quality of the eligible applicant. (76 FR 40898) (50 points)
    In determining the quality of the applicant, the Secretary 
considers the following factors--
    (1) The degree, including the consistency over the past three 
years, to which the applicant has demonstrated success in significantly 
increasing student academic achievement and attainment for all 
students, including, as applicable, educationally disadvantaged 
students served by the charter schools operated or managed by the 
applicant (20 points).
    (2) Either--
    (i) The degree, including the consistency over the past three 
years, to which the applicant has demonstrated success in closing 
historic achievement gaps for the subgroups of students described in 
section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the ESEA at the charter schools 
operated or managed by the applicant, or
    (ii) The degree, including the consistency over the past three 
years, to which there have not been significant achievement gaps 
between any of the subgroups of students described in section 
1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the ESEA at the charter schools operated or 
managed by the applicant and to which significant gains in student 
academic achievement have been made with all populations of students 
served by the charter schools operated or managed by the applicant (15 
points).
    (3) The degree, including the consistency over the past three 
years, to which the applicant has achieved results (including 
performance on statewide tests, annual student attendance and retention 
rates, high school graduation rates, college attendance rates, and 
college persistence rates where applicable and available) for low-
income and other educationally disadvantaged students served by the 
charter schools operated or managed by the applicant that are 
significantly above the average academic achievement results for such 
students in the State (15 points).
    (b) Contribution in assisting educationally disadvantaged students. 
(76 FR 40898) (10 points)
    The contribution the proposed project will make in assisting 
educationally disadvantaged students served by the applicant to meet or 
exceed State academic content standards and State student academic 
achievement standards, and to graduate college- and career-ready. When 
responding to this selection criterion, applicants must discuss the 
proposed locations of schools to be created or substantially expanded 
and the student populations to be served.

    Note: The Secretary encourages applicants to describe their 
prior success in improving educational achievement and outcomes for 
educationally disadvantaged students, including students with 
disabilities and English learners. In addition, the Secretary 
encourages applicants to address how they will ensure that all 
eligible students with disabilities receive a free appropriate 
public education and how the proposed project will assist 
educationally disadvantaged students, including students with 
disabilities and English learners, in mastering State academic 
content standards and State student academic achievement standards.

    (c) Quality of the project design. (76 FR 40898 and 34 CFR 
75.210(c)(2)(xxviii)) (10 points)
    The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed 
project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed 
project, the Secretary considers the extent to which the goals, 
objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are 
clearly specified, measurable, and attainable. Applicants proposing to 
open schools serving substantially different populations than those 
currently served by the model for which they have demonstrated evidence 
of success must address the attainability of outcomes given this 
difference.

[[Page 33509]]

    (d) Quality of the management plan and personnel. (76 FR 40898) (20 
points)
    The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan and 
personnel to replicate and substantially expand high-quality charter 
schools (as defined in this notice). In determining the quality of the 
management plan and personnel for the proposed project, the Secretary 
considers--
    (1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives 
of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly 
defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing 
project tasks (4 points).
    (2) The business plan for improving, sustaining, and ensuring the 
quality and performance of charter schools created or substantially 
expanded under these grants beyond the initial period of Federal 
funding in areas including, but not limited to, facilities, financial 
management, central office, student academic achievement, governance, 
oversight, and human resources of the charter schools (4 points).
    (3) A multi-year financial and operating model for the 
organization, a demonstrated commitment of current and future partners, 
and evidence of broad support from stakeholders critical to the 
project's long-term success (4 points).
    (4) The plan for closing charter schools supported, overseen, or 
managed by the applicant that do not meet high standards of quality (2 
points).
    (5) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, 
of the project director, chief executive officer or organization 
leader, and key project personnel, especially in managing projects of 
the size and scope of the proposed project (6 points).
    (e) Quality of the evaluation plan. (34 CFR 75.210(h)(2)(iv)) (10 
points)
    The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be 
conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the 
evaluation, the Secretary considers the extent to which the methods of 
evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are 
clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will 
produce quantitative and qualitative data.
    3. Review and Selection Process: We remind potential applicants 
that in reviewing applications in any discretionary grant competition, 
the Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR 75.217(d)(3), the past 
performance of the applicant in carrying out a previous award, such as 
the applicant's use of funds, achievement of project objectives, and 
compliance with grant conditions. The Secretary may also consider 
whether the applicant failed to submit a timely performance report or 
submitted a report of unacceptable quality.
    In addition, in making a competitive grant award, the Secretary 
also requires various assurances including those applicable to Federal 
civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or 
activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department 
of Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).
    4. Special Conditions: Under 2 CFR 3474.10, the Secretary may 
impose special conditions and, in appropriate circumstances, high-risk 
conditions on a grant if the applicant or grantee is not financially 
stable; has a history of unsatisfactory performance; has a financial or 
other management system that does not meet the standards in 2 CFR part 
200, subpart D; has not fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant; or 
is otherwise not responsible.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your 
U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award 
Notification (GAN); or we may send you an email containing a link to 
access an electronic version of your GAN. We may notify you informally, 
also.
    If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, 
we notify you.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify 
administrative and national policy requirements in the application 
package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable 
Regulations section of this notice.
    We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of 
an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and 
include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also 
incorporates your approved application as part of your binding 
commitments under the grant.
    3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a grant under this competition, 
you must ensure that you have in place the necessary processes and 
systems to comply with the reporting requirements in 2 CFR part 170 
should you receive funding under the competition. This does not apply 
if you have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b).
    (b) At the end of your project period, you must submit a final 
performance report, including financial information, as directed by the 
Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must submit an annual 
performance report that provides the most current performance and 
financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary under 34 
CFR 75.118. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance 
reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, 
please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.
    4. Performance Measures:
    (a) Program Performance Measures. The goal of the CSP is to support 
the creation and development of a large number of high-quality charter 
schools that are free from State or local rules that inhibit flexible 
operation, are held accountable for enabling students to reach 
challenging State performance standards, and are open to all students. 
The Secretary has two performance indicators to measure progress 
towards this goal: (1) the number of charter schools in operation 
around the Nation, and (2) the percentage of fourth- and eighth-grade 
charter school students who are achieving at or above the proficient 
level on State assessments in mathematics and reading/language arts. 
Additionally, the Secretary has established the following measure to 
examine the efficiency of the CSP: Federal cost per student in 
implementing a successful school (defined as a school in operation for 
three or more consecutive years).
    (b) Project-Specific Performance Measures. Applicants must propose 
project-specific performance measures and performance targets 
consistent with the objectives of the proposed project. Applications 
must provide the following information as directed under 34 CFR 
75.110(b) and (c):
    (1) Performance measures. How each proposed performance measure (as 
defined in this notice) would accurately measure the performance of the 
project and how the proposed performance measure would be consistent 
with the performance measures established for the program funding the 
competition.
    (2) Baseline data. (i) Why each proposed baseline (as defined in 
this notice) is valid; or (ii) If the applicant has determined that 
there are no established baseline data for a particular performance 
measure, an explanation of why there is no established baseline and of 
how and when, during the project period, the applicant would establish 
a valid baseline for the performance measure.
    (3) Performance targets. Why each proposed performance target (as 
defined in this notice) is ambitious (as defined in this notice) yet 
achievable compared to the baseline for the performance

[[Page 33510]]

measure and when, during the project period, the applicant would meet 
the performance target(s).

    Note: The Secretary encourages applicants to consider measures 
and targets tied to their grant activities (for instance, if grant 
funds will support professional development for teachers and other 
staff, applicants should include measures related to the outcomes 
for the professional development), as well as to student academic 
achievement during the grant period. The measures should be 
sufficient to gauge the progress throughout the grant period, and 
show results by the end of the grant period.

    For technical assistance in developing effective performance 
measures, applicants are encouraged to review information provided by 
the Department's Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs). The RELs 
seek to build the capacity of States and school districts to 
incorporate data and research into education decision-making. Each REL 
provides research support and technical assistance to its region but 
makes learning opportunities available to educators everywhere. For 
example, the REL Northeast and Islands has created the following 
resource on logic models: relpacific.mcrel.org/resources/elm-app.
    (4) The applicant must also describe in the application: (i) the 
data collection and reporting methods the applicant would use and why 
those methods are likely to yield reliable, valid, and meaningful 
performance data, and (ii) the applicant's capacity to collect and 
report reliable, valid, and meaningful performance data, as evidenced 
by high-quality data collection, analysis, and reporting in other 
projects or research.

    Note: If the applicant does not have experience with collection 
and reporting of performance data through other projects or 
research, the applicant should provide other evidence of capacity to 
successfully carry out data collection and reporting for their 
proposed project.

    All grantees must submit an annual performance report with 
information that is responsive to these performance measures.
    5. Continuation Awards: In making a continuation award under 34 CFR 
75.253, the Secretary considers, among other things: whether a grantee 
has made substantial progress in achieving the goals and objectives of 
the project; whether the grantee has expended funds in a manner that is 
consistent with its approved application and budget; and, if the 
Secretary has established performance measurement requirements, the 
performance targets in the grantee's approved application. In making a 
continuation grant, the Secretary also considers whether the grantee is 
operating in compliance with the assurances in its approved 
application, including those applicable to Federal civil rights laws 
that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities receiving 
Federal financial assistance from the Department (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 
106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).

VII. Agency Contact

    For Further Information Contact: Brian Martin, U.S. Department of 
Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 4W224, Washington, DC 20202-
5970. Telephone: (202) 205-9085 or by email: [email protected].
    If you use a TDD or a TTY, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-
8339.

VIII. Other Information

    Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this 
document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format 
(e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or compact disc) on request to 
the program contact person listed under For Further Information Contact 
in section VII of this notice.
    Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this 
document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free 
Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the 
Code of Federal Regulations is available via the Federal Digital System 
at: www.thefederalregister.org/fdsys. At this site you can view this document, as well 
as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal 
Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF 
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the 
site.
    You may also access documents of the Department published in the 
Federal Register by using the article search feature at: 
www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search 
feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published 
by the Department.

    Dated: June 8, 2015.
Nadya Chinoy Dabby,
Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement.
[FR Doc. 2015-14386 Filed 6-11-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4000-01-P



                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices                                                  33499

                                                  Policy Justification                                    management oversight and support                       command and control. They provide the
                                                  Japan—E–2D Advanced Hawkeye                             requirements.                                          ability to distinguish friendly aircraft,
                                                                                                            There will be no adverse impact on                   vehicles, or forces, and to determine
                                                  Airborne Early Warning and Control
                                                                                                          U.S. defense readiness as a result of this             their bearing and range from the
                                                  Aircraft.
                                                                                                          proposed sale.                                         interrogator. These devices have
                                                     The Government of Japan has                                                                                 embedded COMSEC which contains
                                                  requested a possible sale of four (4) E–                Transmittal No. 15–35
                                                                                                                                                                 sensitive encryption algorithms and
                                                  2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne                      Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of               keying material. The APX–122
                                                  Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)                       Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the              Interrogator and APX–123 IFF
                                                  aircraft, ten (10) T56–A–427A engines (8                Arms Export Control Act                                Transponder are classified Secret.
                                                  installed and 2 spares), eight (8)                                                                                5. The ALQ–217 Electronic Support
                                                                                                          Annex
                                                  Multifunction Information Distribution                                                                         Measure system is used to detect,
                                                  System Low Volume Terminals (MIDS–                      Item No. vii
                                                                                                                                                                 intercept, identify, locate, record, and/or
                                                  LVT), four (4) APY–9 Radars,                               (vii) Sensitivity of Technology:                    analyze sources of radiated
                                                  modifications, spare and repair parts,                     1. The E–2D Advanced Hawkeye                        electromagnetic energy to support
                                                  support equipment, publications and                     (AHE) Airborne Early Warning and                       classification of unknown surface and
                                                  technical documentation, personnel                      Control (AEW&C) is a state of the art                  airborne units. The ALQ–217 is
                                                  training and training equipment, ferry                  aircraft. The E–2D AHE provides                        classified Secret.
                                                  services, aerial refueling support, U.S.                detection and surveillance of regional                    6. If a technologically advanced
                                                  Government and contractor logistics,                    surface and aircraft platforms through                 adversary obtained knowledge of the
                                                  engineering, and technical support                      the use of the APY–9 radar, APX–122A                   specific hardware or software in the
                                                  services, and other related elements of                 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and                proposed sale, the information could be
                                                  logistics and program support. The                      ALQ 217 Electronic Support Measures                    used to develop countermeasures which
                                                  estimated cost is $1.7 billion.                         (ESM) systems. The E–2D AHE provides                   might reduce weapons system
                                                     This proposed sale will contribute to                area surveillance and detection, air                   effectiveness or be used in the
                                                  the foreign policy and national security                intercept control, air traffic control,                development of a system with similar or
                                                  of the United States. Japan is one of the               search and rescue assistance,                          advanced capabilities.
                                                  major political and economic powers in                  communication relay and automatic                         7. A determination has been made
                                                  East Asia and the Western Pacific and                   tactical data exchange. The E–2D AHE                   that the Government of Japan can
                                                  a key partner of the United States in                   is classified Secret.                                  provide substantially the same degree of
                                                  ensuring peace and stability in that                       2. The APY–9 radar is a mechanically
                                                                                                                                                                 protection for the sensitive technology
                                                  region. It is vital to the U.S. national                rotated, electronically scanned array,
                                                                                                                                                                 being released as the U.S. Government.
                                                  interest to assist Japan in developing                  which utilizes Space Time Adaptive
                                                                                                                                                                 This sale is necessary in furtherance of
                                                  and maintaining a strong and ready self-                Processing technology to provide 360-
                                                                                                                                                                 the U.S. foreign policy and national
                                                  defense capability. This proposed sale is               degree detection and surveillance in
                                                                                                                                                                 security objectives outlined in the
                                                  consistent with U.S. foreign policy and                 high clutter environments. It is able to
                                                                                                          provide simultaneous detection and                     Policy Justification.
                                                  national security objectives and the
                                                                                                          surveillance of surface and air units.                    8. All defense articles and services
                                                  1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and
                                                                                                          The APY–9 radar is classified Secret.                  listed in this transmittal have been
                                                  Security.
                                                                                                             3. The Multifunction Information                    authorized for release and export to the
                                                     The proposed sale of E–2D AHE
                                                                                                          Distribution System Low Volume                         Government of Japan.
                                                  aircraft will improve Japan’s ability to
                                                  effectively provide homeland defense                    Terminals (MIDS–LVT) is a command,                     [FR Doc. 2015–14414 Filed 6–11–15; 8:45 am]
                                                  utilizing an AEW&C capability. Japan                    control, communications, and                           BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
                                                  will use the E–2D AHE aircraft to                       intelligence (C3I) system incorporating
                                                  provide AEW&C situational awareness                     high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital
                                                  of air and naval activity in the Pacific                communication links for exchange of                    DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
                                                  region and to augment its existing E–2C                 near real-time tactical information
                                                  Hawkeye AEW&C fleet. Japan will have                    including both data and voice, among                   Application for New Awards; Charter
                                                  no difficulty absorbing these aircraft                  air, ground and sea elements. The                      Schools Program (CSP); Grants for
                                                  into its armed forces.                                  MIDS–LVT incorporates the Link-16                      Replication and Expansion of High-
                                                     The proposed sale of these aircraft                  military technical data exchange                       Quality Charter Schools
                                                  and support will not alter the basic                    network which supports key theater
                                                  military balance in the region.                         functions such as surveillance,                        AGENCY: Office of Innovation and
                                                     The principal contractor will be                     identification, air control, and direction             Improvement, Department of Education.
                                                  Northrop Grumman Corporation                            for U.S. Services and those allied and                 ACTION: Notice.
                                                  Aerospace Systems in Melbourne,                         partner nations for which there is a
                                                  Florida. The acquisition and integration                validated interoperability requirement.                  Overview Information:
                                                  of all systems will be managed by the                   The system provides jam-resistant,                       CSP Grants for Replication and
                                                  U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems                           wide-area communications on a Link-16                  Expansion of High-Quality Charter
                                                  Command (NAVAIR). There are no                          network. Link-16 provides a correlated,                Schools.
                                                  known offset agreements proposed in                     real-time picture of the battle space.                   Notice inviting applications for new
                                                                                                                                                                 awards for fiscal year (FY) 2015.
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                                                  connection with this potential sale.                    These devices have embedded
                                                     Implementation of this proposed sale                 communications security (COMSEC)                         Catalog of Federal Domestic
                                                  will not require any additional U.S.                    which contains sensitive encryption                    Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.282M.
                                                  Government or contractor personnel in                   algorithms and keying material. The                    DATES: Applications Available: June 12,
                                                  Japan. However, U.S. Government or                      MIDS–LVT is classified Secret.                         2015.
                                                  contractor personnel in-country visits                     4. The APX–122 Interrogator and                       Date of Pre-Application Meeting: June
                                                  will be required on a temporary basis in                APX–123 IFF Transponder are                            16, 2015, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.,
                                                  conjunction with program technical and                  identification systems designed for                    Washington, DC, time.


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                                                  33500                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices

                                                    Deadline for Transmittal of                           recognized Indian tribes. This priority is             business and community leaders to
                                                  Applications: July 15, 2015.                            from the Secretary’s final supplemental                make investments that reward hard
                                                    Deadline for Intergovernmental                        priorities and definitions for                         work and expand opportunity.
                                                  Review: September 25, 2015.                             discretionary grant programs, published                   The Department also has added an
                                                                                                          in the Federal Register on December 10,                invitational priority that encourages
                                                  Full Text of Announcement                                                                                      applicants to conduct rigorous
                                                                                                          2014 (79 FR 73425) (Final Supplemental
                                                  I. Funding Opportunity Description                      Priorities). The Department understands                evaluations of their proposed projects. If
                                                     Purpose of Program: The purpose of                   that Native American communities                       well-implemented, the evaluations will
                                                  the CSP is to increase national                         confront unique educational challenges                 produce evidence about the project’s
                                                  understanding of the charter school                     and have developed unique strategies to                effectiveness that meets What Works
                                                  model by expanding the number of                        meet those challenges. This element is                 Clearinghouse Evidence Standards. The
                                                  high-quality charter schools available to               designed to encourage collaboration                    Department is particularly interested in
                                                  students across the Nation; providing                   between charter school developers and                  rigorous evaluations of applicants’
                                                  financial assistance for the planning,                  Native American communities, as part                   schools or specific practices within
                                                  program design, and initial                             of these communities’ efforts to                       those schools.
                                                                                                          strengthen public education.                              In addition, in January 2014, the
                                                  implementation of charter schools; and
                                                                                                             Element (b) of Competitive Preference               Department updated Section E of the
                                                  evaluating the effects of charter schools,
                                                                                                          Priority 1—High Need Students is for                   CSP Nonregulatory Guidance to clarify
                                                  including their effects on students,
                                                                                                          projects designed to replicate and                     the circumstances in which charter
                                                  student academic achievement, staff,
                                                                                                          expand high-quality charter schools in                 schools receiving CSP funds may use
                                                  and parents.
                                                                                                          order to support school improvement                    weighted lotteries, including to give
                                                     The purpose of the CSP Grants for
                                                                                                          efforts by local educational agencies                  educationally disadvantaged students
                                                  Replication and Expansion of High-
                                                                                                          (LEAs). As one of the Department’s top                 slightly better chances for admission.
                                                  Quality Charter Schools (Replication
                                                                                                          priorities is to help turn around the                  Applicants proposing to use weighted
                                                  and Expansion) competition (CFDA
                                                                                                          Nation’s lowest-performing public                      lotteries should review the information
                                                  84.282M) is to award grants to eligible
                                                                                                          schools, this element is designed to link              in the Note for Application Requirement
                                                  applicants to enable them to replicate or                                                                      (j) in section V of this notice and the
                                                                                                          LEAs with high-quality charter schools
                                                  expand high-quality charter schools                                                                            updated CSP Nonregulatory Guidance.
                                                                                                          as effective partners in school
                                                  with demonstrated records of success,                                                                          For information on the CSP lottery
                                                                                                          intervention projects. This element
                                                  including success in increasing student                                                                        requirement, including permissible
                                                                                                          comes from the Final Priorities for this
                                                  academic achievement. Eligible                                                                                 exemptions from the lottery and the
                                                                                                          program.
                                                  applicants may use their grant funds to                    Element (c) of Competitive Preference               circumstances under which charter
                                                  expand the enrollment of one or more                    Priority 1—High Need Students is for                   schools receiving CSP funds may use
                                                  existing charter schools by substantially               projects designed to replicate and                     weighted lotteries, see Section E of the
                                                  increasing the number of available seats                expand high-quality charter schools in                 CSP Nonregulatory Guidance
                                                  per school or to open one or more new                   federally designated Promise Zones, and                atwww2.ed.gov/programs/charter/
                                                  charter schools that are based on the                   is from the notice of final priority for               nonregulatory-guidance.html.
                                                  charter school model for which the                      promise zones, published in the Federal                   Finally, the Consolidated and Further
                                                  eligible applicant has presented                        Register on March 27, 2014 (79 FR                      Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015
                                                  evidence of success.                                    17035) (Final Promise Zones Priority).                 (FY 2015 Appropriations Act), Division
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FY                       Promise zones are part of an initiative                G, Pub. L. 113–235, retains the authority
                                                  2015 Replication and Expansion                          by the President to designate, over a                  from the Consolidated Appropriations
                                                  competition differs from the FY 2014                    period of four years, 20 high-poverty                  Act, 2014 (FY 2014 Appropriations Act),
                                                  Replication and Expansion competition                   communities for the Federal                            Division H, Public Law 113–76, for CSP
                                                  in several ways. First, for the FY 2015                 government to partner with, and invest                 grant recipients to use funds to support
                                                  competition, we are using the Low-                      in, to create jobs, increase economic                  preschool education in charter schools.
                                                  Income Demographic priority from the                    activity, improve educational                          For information on the use of CSP funds
                                                  final priorities, requirements, and                     opportunities, reduce violent crime, and               to support preschool education in
                                                  selection criteria for this program,                    leverage private investment. The                       charter schools, see the ‘‘Guidance on
                                                  published in the Federal Register on                    Department is cooperating with the                     the use of Funds to Support Preschool
                                                  July 12, 2011 (76 FR 40898) (Final                      Department of Housing and Urban                        Education’’ at www2.ed.gov/programs/
                                                  Priorities), as an absolute priority. The               Development (HUD), the Department of                   charter/csppreschoolfaqs.doc.
                                                  Department has added this as an                         Agriculture (USDA), and nine other                        All charter schools receiving CSP
                                                  absolute priority in order to ensure that               Federal agencies to support                            funds, as outlined in section 5210(1)(G)
                                                  projects are designed to meet the needs                 comprehensive revitalization efforts in                of the Elementary and Secondary
                                                  of educationally disadvantaged                          these high-poverty urban, rural, and                   Education Act of 1965, as amended
                                                  students.                                               tribal communities across the country.                 (ESEA), must comply with various non-
                                                     Second, for FY 2015, the Department                  The thirteen Promise Zones that have                   discrimination laws, including the Age
                                                  has consolidated three competitive                      been designated thus far are located in                Discrimination Act of 1975, title VI of
                                                  preference priorities into a single                     Camden City NJ, the Chocktaw Nation                    the Civil Rights Act of 1964, title IX of
                                                  competitive preference priority for                     of Oklahoma, East Indianapolis IN, Los                 the Education Amendments of 1972,
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                                                  projects designed to support specific                   Angeles CA, the Lowlands of South                      section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
                                                  types of high-need students. Applicants                 Carolina, Minneapolis MN, North                        1973, part B of the Individuals with
                                                  addressing this priority may select and                 Hartford CT, Philadelphia PA, Pine                     Disabilities Education Act (specifies
                                                  address only one of these elements.                     Ridge SD, Sacramento CA, San Antonio                   rights afforded to students with
                                                     Element (a) of Competitive Preference                TX, Southeastern Kentucky, and St.                     disabilities and their parents), and
                                                  Priority 1—High Need Students is for                    Louis MO. Each of the lead entities for                applicable State laws.
                                                  projects designed to support students                   these Promise Zones has put forward a                     Priorities: This notice includes two
                                                  who are members of federally                            plan for how it will partner with local                absolute priorities, three competitive


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices                                                   33501

                                                  preference priorities, and one                          only one of the three elements. We will                  (b) School Improvement. (76 FR
                                                  invitational priority. The absolute                     award an additional three points to an                 40898) (0 or 4 points).
                                                  priorities are from the Final Priorities                application that meets Competitive                       To meet this priority, an applicant
                                                  for this program. The competitive                       Preference Priority 2, and an additional               must demonstrate that its proposed
                                                  preference priorities are from the Final                two points to an application that meets                replication or expansion of one or more
                                                  Priorities for this program; the Final                  Competitive Preference Priority 3. The                 high-quality charter schools (as defined
                                                  Promise Zones Priority; the Final                       maximum total competitive preference                   in this notice) will occur in partnership
                                                  Supplemental Priorities; and 34 CFR                     priority points an application can                     with, and will be designed to assist, one
                                                  75.225.                                                 receive for this competition is 10.                    or more LEAs in implementing
                                                    Absolute Priorities: For FY 2015 and                    Note: In order to receive points under these         academic or structural interventions to
                                                  any subsequent year in which we make                    competitive preference priorities, the                 serve students attending schools that
                                                  awards from the list of unfunded                        applicant must identify the priority or                have been identified for improvement,
                                                  applications from this competition,                     priorities that it is addressing and provide           corrective action, closure, or
                                                  these priorities are absolute priorities.               documentation that supports the identified             restructuring under section 1116 of the
                                                  Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3), we consider                  competitive preference priority or priorities.         Elementary and Secondary Education
                                                  only applications that meet both of the                    These priorities are:                               Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA), and as
                                                  following priorities:                                      Competitive Preference Priority 1—                  described in the notice of final
                                                    Absolute Priority 1—Experience                        Serving High-Need Students. (0, 1, 4, or               requirements for School Improvement
                                                  Operating or Managing High-Quality                      5 points).                                             Grants, published in the Federal
                                                  Charter Schools.                                           This priority is for projects that will             Register on October 28, 2010 (75 FR
                                                    This priority is for projects that will               serve high-need students through one of                66363).1
                                                  provide for the replication or expansion                the methods described below. An                           Note: Applicants in States operating under
                                                  of high-quality charter schools by                      application may receive priority points                ESEA Flexibility that have opted to waive the
                                                  applicants that currently operate or                    for only one element of Competitive                    requirement in ESEA section 1116(b) for
                                                  manage more than one high-quality                       Preference Priority 1. Therefore, an                   LEAs to identify for improvement, corrective
                                                  charter school (as defined in this                      applicant should address only one                      action, or restructuring, as appropriate, their
                                                  notice).                                                element of Competitive Preference                      Title I schools that fail to make adequate
                                                    Absolute Priority 2—Low-Income                        Priority 1 and must specify which                      yearly progress (AYP) for two or more
                                                  Demographic.                                                                                                   consecutive years may partner with LEAs to
                                                                                                          element (i.e., (a), (b) or (c)) it is
                                                    To meet this priority, an applicant                                                                          serve students attending priority or focus
                                                                                                          addressing. If an applicant addresses                  schools (see the Department’s June 7, 2012
                                                  must demonstrate that at least 60                       more than one element of Competitive                   guidance entitled, ‘‘ESEA Flexibility,’’ at
                                                  percent of all students in the charter                  Preference Priority 1 and does not                     www.ed.gov/esea/flexibility). The Secretary
                                                  schools it currently operates or manages                specify whether it is addressing element               encourages such applicants to describe how
                                                  are individuals from low-income                         (a), (b), or (c), the application will be              their proposed projects would complement
                                                  families (as defined in this notice).                   awarded priority points only for the                   efforts to serve students attending priority or
                                                    Note 1: The Secretary encourages                      element addressed in the application                   focus schools described in the State’s
                                                  applicants to describe the extent to which the          that has the highest maximum point                     approved request for waivers under ESEA
                                                  charter schools they currently operate or                                                                      Flexibility.
                                                                                                          value, regardless of the number of
                                                  manage serve individuals from low-income                priority points the application is                       (c) Promise Zones. (79 FR 17035) (0 or
                                                  families at rates that are comparable to the                                                                   1 point).
                                                  rates at which these individuals are served by
                                                                                                          awarded for that particular element of
                                                                                                          Competitive Preference Priority 1.                       This priority is for projects that are
                                                  public schools in the surrounding area.
                                                                                                             This priority is for projects that will             designed to serve and coordinate with a
                                                    Note 2: For charter schools that serve                serve high-need students through                       federally designated Promise Zone.2
                                                  students younger than five years old or older           element (a), (b) or (c) as described                     Note: To view the list of designated
                                                  than 17 years old in accordance with their              below:                                                 Promise Zones and lead organizations please
                                                  State’s definition of ‘‘elementary education’’             (a) Supporting Students Who are                     go to www.hud.gov/promisezones. The link
                                                  or ‘‘secondary education,’’ at least 60 percent         Members of Federally Recognized                        to HUD Form 50153 (Certification of
                                                  of all students in the schools who are                                                                         Consistency with Promise Zone Goals and
                                                  between the ages of five and 17 must be
                                                                                                          Indian Tribes. (79 FR 73425) (0 or 5
                                                                                                          points).                                               Implementation), which has been cleared by
                                                  individuals from low-income families to                                                                        the Office of Management and Budget under
                                                  meet this priority.                                        To meet this priority, an application
                                                                                                                                                                 the Paperwork Reduction Act, is http://
                                                                                                          must demonstrate that the proposed                     portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/
                                                    Competitive Preference Priorities: For                project is designed to improve academic
                                                  FY 2015 and any subsequent year in                                                                             huddoc?id=HUD_Form_50153.pdf.
                                                                                                          outcomes or learning environments, or
                                                  which we make awards based on the list                  both, for students who are members of                    Competitive Preference Priority 2—
                                                  of unfunded applications from this                      federally recognized Indian tribes.                    Promoting Diversity. (76 FR 40898) (0 or
                                                  competition, these priorities are                                                                              3 points).
                                                  competitive preference priorities. Under                   Note: Applicants are encouraged to                    This priority is for applicants that
                                                                                                          demonstrate how the proposed project is                demonstrate a record of (in the schools
                                                  34 CFR 75.105(c)(2)(i), we will award an                designed to serve students who are members
                                                  additional five points to an application                of federally recognized Indian tribes through          they currently operate or manage), as
                                                  that addresses element (a) of                           a variety of means, such as creating or
                                                  Competitive Preference Priority 1; an                   expanding charter schools in geographic                   1 In March 2015, the Department issued

                                                                                                                                                                 nonregulatory guidance on School Improvement
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                                                  additional four points to an application                areas with large numbers of students who are
                                                                                                          members of federally recognized Indian                 Grants (SIGs), entitled ‘‘Guidance on School
                                                  that addresses element (b) of                                                                                  Improvement Grants under Section 1003(g) of the
                                                  Competitive Preference Priority 1; or an                tribes, conducting targeted outreach and               Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965,
                                                  additional one point to an application                  recruitment, or including in the charters or           at www2.ed.gov/programs/sif/
                                                                                                          performance contracts for the charter schools          sigguidance032015.doc.
                                                  that addresses element (c) of                           funded under the project specific                         2 For additional information on Promise Zones,
                                                  Competitive Preference Priority 1. An                   performance goals for students who are                 see www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/01/
                                                  applicant may receive points under                      members of federally recognized Indian                 08/fact-sheet-president-obama-s-promise-zones-
                                                  Competitive Preference Priority 1 for                   tribes.                                                initiative.



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                                                  33502                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices

                                                  well as an intent to continue (in schools               funding period, including any                             The following definitions are from 34
                                                  that they will be creating or                           extensions of those periods that extend                CFR 77.1 and the Final Priorities for this
                                                  substantially expanding under this                      the grantee’s authority to obligate funds              program.
                                                  grant), taking active measures to—                      (34 CFR 75.225(b)).                                       Ambitious means promoting
                                                     (a) Promote student diversity,                          Invitational Priority: For FY 2015 and              continued, meaningful improvement for
                                                  including racial and ethnic diversity, or               any subsequent year in which we make                   program participants or for other
                                                  avoid racial isolation;                                 awards based on the list of unfunded                   individuals or entities affected by the
                                                     (b) Serve students with disabilities at              applications from this competition, this               grant, or representing a significant
                                                  a rate that is at least comparable to the               priority is an invitational priority.                  advancement in the field of education
                                                  rate at which these students are served                 Under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(1), we do not                   research, practices, or methodologies.
                                                  in public schools in the surrounding                    give an application that meets this                    When used to describe a performance
                                                  area; and                                               invitational priority any preference over              target, whether a performance target is
                                                     (c) Serve English learners at a rate that                                                                   ambitious depends upon the context of
                                                                                                          other applications.
                                                  is at least comparable to the rate at                                                                          the relevant performance measure and
                                                  which these students are served in                         This priority is:                                   the baseline for that measure. (34 CFR
                                                  public schools in the surrounding area.                    Invitational Priority—Rigorous                      77.1)
                                                     In support of this priority, applicants              Evaluation.                                               Baseline means the starting point
                                                  must provide enrollment data as well as                    The Secretary is particularly                       from which performance is measured
                                                  descriptions of existing policies and                   interested in funding applications that                and targets are set. (34 CFR 77.1)
                                                  activities undertaken or planned to be                  demonstrate that the applicant is                         Charter management organization
                                                  undertaken.                                             currently conducting, or will conduct, a               (CMO) is a nonprofit organization that
                                                     Note 1: An applicant addressing                      rigorous independent evaluation of the                 operates or manages multiple charter
                                                  Competitive Preference Priority 2—Promoting             applicant’s charter schools, or specific               schools by centralizing or sharing
                                                  Diversity is invited to discuss how the                 practices within those charter schools,                certain functions and resources among
                                                  proposed design of its project will encourage           such as professional development                       schools. (76 FR 40898)
                                                  approaches by charter schools that help bring
                                                                                                          practices (e.g., teacher coaching or                      Educationally disadvantaged students
                                                  together students of different backgrounds,                                                                    includes, but is not necessarily limited
                                                  including students from different racial and            leadership training) through a quasi-
                                                                                                          experimental design study or                           to, individuals from low-income
                                                  ethnic backgrounds, to attain the benefits that                                                                families (as defined in this notice),
                                                  flow from a diverse student body. The                   randomized controlled trial that will, if
                                                  applicant should discuss in its application             well implemented, meet What Works                      English learners, migratory children,
                                                  how it would ensure that those approaches               Clearinghouse Evidence Standards.                      children with disabilities, and neglected
                                                  are permissible under current law.                                                                             or delinquent children. (76 FR 40898)
                                                                                                            Note 1: In accordance with 34 CFR 75.590,               High-quality charter school is a school
                                                    Note 2: For information on permissible                Replication and Expansion grant funds may              that shows evidence of strong academic
                                                  ways to meet this priority, please refer to the         be used to cover post-award costs associated
                                                                                                                                                                 results for the past three years (or over
                                                  joint guidance issued by the Department’s               with an evaluation under this invitational
                                                                                                          priority or an evaluation under selection              the life of the school, if the school has
                                                  Office for Civil Rights and the U.S.
                                                                                                          criterion (e) in section V.2 of this notice,           been open for fewer than three years),
                                                  Department of Justice entitled, ‘‘Guidance on
                                                  the Voluntary Use of Race to Achieve                    provided that such costs are reasonable and            based on the following factors:
                                                  Diversity and Avoid Racial Isolation in                 necessary to meet the objectives of the                   (1) Increasing student academic
                                                  Elementary and Secondary Schools’’                      approved project.                                      achievement and attainment for all
                                                  (www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/                                                                      students, including, as applicable,
                                                  guidance-ese-201111.pdf) and ‘‘Schools’                    Note 2: We encourage applicants to review           educationally disadvantaged students
                                                  Civil Rights Obligations to English Learner             the following technical assistance resources           served by the charter schools operated
                                                  Students and Limited English Proficient                 on evaluation: (1) WWC Procedures and
                                                                                                                                                                 or managed by the applicant.
                                                  Parents’’ (www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/              Standards Handbook: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/
                                                                                                          wwc/references/idocviewer/doc.aspx?docid=
                                                                                                                                                                    (2) Either (i) Demonstrated success in
                                                  ocr/ellresources.html).                                                                                        closing historic achievement gaps for
                                                                                                          19&tocid=1; and (2) IES/NCEE Technical
                                                     Competitive Preference Priority 3—                   Methods papers: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/tech_           the subgroups of students described in
                                                  Novice Applicant. (34 CFR 75.225(c)(2))                 methods/. In addition, we invite applicants            section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the ESEA
                                                  (0 or 2 points).                                        to view two optional Webinar recordings that           at the charter schools operated or
                                                     This priority is for applicants that                 were hosted by the Institute of Education              managed by the applicant, or;
                                                  qualify as novice applicants. For                       Sciences. The first Webinar discussed                     (ii) No significant achievement gaps
                                                  purposes of this competition, ‘‘novice                  strategies for designing and executing well-           between any of the subgroups of
                                                  applicant’’ means an applicant for a                    designed quasi-experimental design studies.            students described in section
                                                  grant from the Department that (i) has                  Applicants interested in viewing this                  1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the ESEA at the
                                                                                                          Webinar may find more information at the
                                                  never received a Replication and                        following Web site: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/
                                                                                                                                                                 charter schools operated or managed by
                                                  Expansion grant; (ii) has never been a                  wwc/news.aspx?sid=23. We also encourage                the applicant and significant gains in
                                                  member of a group application,                          applicants to review a second Webinar                  student academic achievement with all
                                                  submitted in accordance with 34 CFR                     recorded by the IES that focused on more               populations of students served by the
                                                  75.127–75.129, that received a                          rigorous evaluation designs.                           charter schools operated or managed by
                                                  Replication and Expansion grant; and                                                                           the applicant.
                                                  (iii) has not had an active discretionary                 This Webinar discusses strategies for                   (3) Achieved results (including
                                                                                                          designing and executing studies that
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                                                  grant from the Federal government in                                                                           performance on statewide tests, annual
                                                  the five years before the deadline date                 meet WWC standards without                             student attendance and retention rates,
                                                  for applications for new awards under                   reservations. Applicants interested in                 high school graduation rates, college
                                                  this Replication and Expansion grant                    reviewing this Webinar may find more                   attendance rates, and college persistence
                                                  competition.                                            information at the following Web site:                 rates where applicable and available) for
                                                     For purposes of clause (iii) in the                  http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/                            low-income and other educationally
                                                  preceding paragraph, a grant is active                  News.aspx?sid=18.                                      disadvantaged students served by the
                                                  until the end of the grant’s project or                   Definitions:                                         charter schools operated or managed by


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices                                               33503

                                                  the applicant that are above the average                which the applicant has presented                        Estimated Average Size of Awards:
                                                  academic achievement results for such                   evidence of success. (76 FR 40898)                     $1,600,000 per year.
                                                  students in the State.                                    Significant compliance issue means a                   Estimated Number of Awards: 19–25.
                                                     (4) No significant compliance issues                 violation that did, will, or could lead to               Note: The Department is not bound by any
                                                  (as defined in this notice), particularly               the revocation of a school’s charter. (76              estimates in this notice. The estimated range,
                                                  in the areas of student safety and                      FR 40898)                                              average size, and number of awards are based
                                                  financial management. (76 FR 40898)                       Substantially expand means to                        on a single 12-month budget period.
                                                     Individual from low-income family                    increase the student count of an existing              However, the Department may choose to
                                                  means an individual who is determined                   charter school by more than 50 percent                 fund more than 12 months of a project using
                                                  by a State educational agency (SEA) or                  or to add at least two grades to an                    FY 2015 funds.
                                                  LEA to be a child, age 5 through 17,                    existing charter school over the course                  Project Period: Up to 60 months.
                                                  from a low-income family on the basis                   of the grant. (76 FR 40898)
                                                  of (a) data used by the Secretary to                      What Works Clearinghouse Evidence                    III. Eligibility Information
                                                  determine allocations under section                     Standards means the standards set forth                   1. Eligible Applicants: Non-profit
                                                  1124 of the ESEA, (b) data on children                  in the What Works Clearinghouse                        charter management organizations (as
                                                  eligible for free or reduced-price                      Procedures and Standards Handbook                      defined in this notice) and other entities
                                                  lunches under the Richard B. Russell                    (Version 3.0, March 2014), which can be                that are not for-profit entities. Eligible
                                                  National School Lunch Act, (c) data on                  found at the following link: //ies.ed.gov/             applicants may also apply as a group or
                                                  children in families receiving assistance               ncee/wwc/DocumentSum.aspx?sid=19.                      consortium.
                                                  under part A of title IV of the Social                  (34 CFR 77.1)                                             2. Cost Sharing or Matching: This
                                                  Security Act, (d) data on children                        Program Authority: Consolidated and                  competition does not require cost
                                                  eligible to receive medical assistance                  Further Continuing Appropriations Act,                 sharing or matching.
                                                  under the Medicaid program under Title                  2015 (FY 2015 Appropriations Act),                        3. Other:
                                                  XIX of the Social Security Act, or (e) an               Division G, Pub. L. 113–235; and the                      (a) Reasonable and Necessary Costs:
                                                  alternate method that combines or                       Elementary and Secondary Education                     The Secretary may elect to impose
                                                  extrapolates from the data in items (a)                 Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA) (20                     maximum limits on the amount of grant
                                                  through (d) of this definition (see 20                  U.S.C. 7221–7221j).                                    funds that may be awarded per charter
                                                  U.S.C. 6537(3)). (76 FR 40898)                            Applicable Regulations: (a) The                      school replicated, per charter school
                                                     Performance measure means any                        Education Department General                           substantially expanded, or per new
                                                  quantitative indicator, statistic, or                   Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in                  school seat created.
                                                  metric used to gauge program or project                 34 CFR parts 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 84,                  For this competition the maximum
                                                  performance. (34 CFR 77.1)                              86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The OMB                        limit of grant funds that may be
                                                     Performance target means a level of                  Guidelines to Agencies on                              awarded per new school seat is $3,000,
                                                  performance that an applicant would                     Governmentwide Debarment and                           including a maximum limit per new
                                                  seek to meet during the course of a                     Suspension (Nonprocurement) in 2 CFR                   school created of $800,000. The
                                                  project or as a result of a project. (34                part 180, as adopted and amended as                    maximum limit per new school seat in
                                                  CFR 77.1)                                               regulations of the Department in 2 CFR                 a charter school that is substantially
                                                     Quasi-experimental design study                      part 3485. (c) The Uniform                             expanding its enrollment is $1,500,
                                                  means a study using a design that                       Administrative Requirements, Cost                      including a maximum limit per
                                                  attempts to approximate an                              Principles, and Audit Requirements for                 substantially expanded school of
                                                  experimental design by identifying a                    Federal Awards in 2 CFR part 200, as                   $800,000.
                                                  comparison group that is similar to the                 adopted and amended in 2 CFR part                         Note: Applicants must ensure that all costs
                                                  treatment group in important respects.                  3474. (d) The Final Priorities for this                included in the proposed budget are
                                                  These studies, depending on design and                  program. (e) The Final Promise Zones                   reasonable and necessary in light of the goals
                                                  implementation, can meet What Works                     Priority.(f) The Final Supplemental                    and objectives of the proposed project. Any
                                                  Clearinghouse Evidence Standards (as                    Priorities.                                            costs determined by the Secretary to be
                                                  defined in this notice) with reservations                                                                      unreasonable or unnecessary will be removed
                                                                                                            Note 1: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79            from the final approved budget.
                                                  (but not What Works Clearinghouse                       apply to all applicants except federally
                                                  Evidence Standards without                              recognized Indian tribes.                                (b) Other CSP Grants: A charter
                                                  reservations). (34 CFR 77.1)                                                                                   school that receives funds under this
                                                     Randomized controlled trial means a                    Note 2: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86            competition is ineligible to receive
                                                  study that employs random assignment                    apply only to institutions of higher                   funds for the same purpose under
                                                                                                          education.
                                                  of, for example, students, teachers,                                                                           section 5202(c)(2) of the ESEA,
                                                  classrooms, schools, or districts to                      Note 3: The regulations in 34 CFR part 99            including for planning and program
                                                  receive the intervention being evaluated                apply only to an educational agency or                 design or the initial implementation of
                                                  (the treatment group) or not to receive                 institution.                                           a charter school (i.e., CFDA 84.282A or
                                                  the intervention (the control group). The                                                                      84.282B).
                                                  estimated effectiveness of the                          II. Award Information                                    A charter school that has received
                                                  intervention is the difference between                     Type of Award: Discretionary grants.                CSP funds for replication previously, or
                                                  the average outcome for the treatment                      Estimated Available Funds:                          that has received funds for planning or
                                                  group and for the control group. These                  $40,000,000.                                           initial implementation of a charter
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                                                  studies, depending on design and                           Contingent upon the availability of                 school (i.e., CFDA 84.282A or 84.282B),
                                                  implementation, can meet What Works                     funds and the quality of applications,                 may not use funds under this grant for
                                                  Clearinghouse Evidence Standards (as                    we may make additional awards in FY                    the same purpose. However, such
                                                  defined in this notice) without                         2016 and future years from the list of                 charter schools may be eligible to
                                                  reservations. (34 CFR 77.1)                             unfunded applications from this                        receive funds under this competition to
                                                     Replicate means to open one or more                  competition.                                           substantially expand the charter school
                                                  new charter schools that are based on                      Estimated Range of Awards: $500,000                 beyond the existing grade levels or
                                                  the charter school model or models for                  to $3,000,000 per year.                                student count.


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                                                  33504                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices

                                                  IV. Application and Submission                          proprietary. The Department’s                          remains subject to all other
                                                  Information                                             regulations define ‘‘business                          requirements and limitations in this
                                                     1. Address to Request Application                    information’’ in 34 CFR 5.11.                          notice.
                                                                                                             Because we plan to make successful                     Deadline for Intergovernmental
                                                  Package: Brian Martin, U.S. Department
                                                                                                          applications available to the public, you              Review: September 25, 2015.
                                                  of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue
                                                                                                          may wish to request confidentiality of                    4. Intergovernmental Review: This
                                                  SW., Room 4W224, Washington, DC
                                                                                                          business information.                                  program is subject to Executive Order
                                                  20202–5970. Telephone: (202) 205–9085
                                                                                                             Consistent with Executive Order                     12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR
                                                  or by email: brian.martin@ed.gov.
                                                                                                          12600, please designate in your                        part 79. Information about
                                                     If you use a telecommunications
                                                                                                          application any information that you                   Intergovernmental Review of Federal
                                                  device for the deaf (TDD) or a text
                                                                                                          feel is exempt from disclosure under                   Programs under Executive Order 12372
                                                  telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
                                                                                                          Exemption 4 of the Freedom of                          is in the application package for this
                                                  Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
                                                                                                          Information Act. In the appropriate                    competition.
                                                  8339.                                                                                                             5. Funding Restrictions: Grantees
                                                                                                          Appendix section of your application,
                                                     Individuals with disabilities can                                                                           under this program must use the grant
                                                                                                          under ‘‘Other Attachments Form,’’
                                                  obtain a copy of the application package                                                                       funds to replicate or substantially
                                                                                                          please list the page number or numbers
                                                  in an accessible format (e.g., braille,                                                                        expand the charter school model or
                                                                                                          on which we can find this information.
                                                  large print, audiotape, or compact disc)                                                                       models for which the applicant has
                                                                                                          For additional information please see 34
                                                  by contacting the program contact                                                                              presented evidence of success. Grant
                                                                                                          CFR 5.11(c).
                                                  person listed in this section.                             3. Submission Dates and Times:                      funds must be used to carry out
                                                     2.a. Content and Form of Application                    Applications Available: June 12, 2015.              allowable activities, as described in
                                                  Submission: Requirements concerning                        Date of Pre-Application Meeting: The                section 5204(f)(3) of the ESEA (20 U.S.C.
                                                  the content of an application, together                 Department will hold a pre-application                 7221c(f)(3)).
                                                  with the forms you must submit, are in                  meeting via Webinar for prospective                       Pursuant to section 5204(f)(3) of the
                                                  the application package for this                        applicants on June 16, 2015, from 2:00                 ESEA, grantees under this program must
                                                  competition.                                            p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Washington, DC, time.               use the grant funds
                                                     Page Limit: The application narrative                Individuals interested in attending this               for—
                                                  (Part III of the application) is where you,             meeting are encouraged to pre-register                    (a) Post-award planning and design of
                                                  the applicant, address the selection                    by emailing their name, organization,                  the educational program, which may
                                                  criteria that reviewers use to evaluate                 and contact information with the subject               include: (i) Refinement of the desired
                                                  your application. We recommend that                     heading ‘‘PRE–APPLICATION                              educational results and of the methods
                                                  you limit the application narrative [Part               MEETING’’ to CharterSchools@ed.gov.                    for measuring progress toward achieving
                                                  III] to no more than 60 pages, using the                There is no registration fee for attending             those results; and (ii) professional
                                                  following standards:                                    this meeting.                                          development of teachers and other staff
                                                     • A ‘‘page’’ is 8.5’’ x 11’’, on one side               For further information about the pre-              who will work in the charter school;
                                                  only, with 1’’ margins at the top,                      application meeting, contact Brian                     and
                                                  bottom, and both sides.                                 Martin, U.S. Department of Education,                     (b) Initial implementation of the
                                                     • Double space (no more than three                   400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room                          charter school, which may include: (i)
                                                  lines per vertical inch) all text in the                4W224, Washington, DC 20202–5970.                      Informing the community about the
                                                  application narrative, including titles,                Telephone: (202) 205–9085 or by email:                 school; (ii) acquiring necessary
                                                  headings, footnotes, quotations,                        brian.martin@ed.gov.                                   equipment and educational materials
                                                  references, and captions, as well as all                   Deadline for Transmittal of                         and supplies; (iii) acquiring or
                                                  text in charts, tables, figures, and                    Applications: July 15, 2015.                           developing curriculum materials; and
                                                  graphs.                                                    Applications for grants under this                  (iv) other initial operational costs that
                                                     • Use a font that is either 12 point or              competition must be submitted                          cannot be met from State or local
                                                  larger or no smaller than 10 pitch                      electronically using the Grants.gov                    sources.
                                                  (characters per inch).                                  Apply site (Grants.gov). For information
                                                                                                                                                                    Note 1: The FY 2015 Appropriations Act
                                                     • Use one of the following fonts:                    (including dates and times) about how                  authorizes the use of CSP funds ‘‘for grants
                                                  Times New Roman, Courier, Courier                       to submit your application                             that support preschool education in charter
                                                  New, or Arial. An application submitted                 electronically, or in paper format by                  schools.’’ Therefore, an application
                                                  in any other font (including Times                      mail or hand delivery if you qualify for               submitted under this competition may
                                                  Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be                      an exception to the electronic                         propose to use CSP funds to support
                                                  accepted.                                               submission requirement, please refer to                preschool education in a charter school. For
                                                     The page limit does not apply to Part                section IV. 7. Other Submission                        additional information and guidance
                                                  I, the cover sheet; Part II, the budget                                                                        regarding the use of CSP funds to support
                                                                                                          Requirements of this notice.
                                                  section, including the narrative budget                                                                        preschool education in charter schools, see
                                                                                                             We do not consider an application                   ‘‘Guidance on the use of Funds to support
                                                  justification; Part IV, the assurances and              that does not comply with the deadline                 Preschool Education,’’ released in November
                                                  certifications; or the one-page abstract,               requirements.                                          2014 (www2.ed.gov/programs/charter/
                                                  the resumes, the bibliography, or the                      Individuals with disabilities who                   csppreschoolfaqs.doc).
                                                  letters of support. However, the page                   need an accommodation or auxiliary aid
                                                  limit does apply to all of the application              in connection with the application                       Note 2: In accordance with the Final
                                                                                                                                                                 Priorities for this program, a grantee may use
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                                                  narrative section [Part III].                           process should contact the person listed
                                                     b. Submission of Proprietary                         under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION                          up to 20 percent of grant funds for initial
                                                                                                                                                                 operational costs associated with the
                                                  Information:                                            CONTACT in section VII of this notice. If
                                                                                                                                                                 expansion or improvement of the grantee’s
                                                     Given the types of projects that may                 the Department provides an                             oversight or management of its charter
                                                  be proposed in applications for the                     accommodation or auxiliary aid to an                   schools, provided that: (i) the specific charter
                                                  Replication and Expansion competition,                  individual with a disability in                        schools being created or substantially
                                                  an application may include business                     connection with the application                        expanded under the grant are the intended
                                                  information that the applicant considers                process, the individual’s application                  beneficiaries of such expansion or



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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices                                             33505

                                                  improvement, and (ii) such expansion or                 annually. This may take three or more                  submitting an application electronically
                                                  improvement is intended to improve the                  business days.                                         through the site, as well as the hours of
                                                  grantee’s ability to manage or oversee the                 Information about SAM is available at               operation.
                                                  charter schools created or substantially                www.SAM.gov. To further assist you                        • Applications received by Grants.gov
                                                  expanded under the grant.                               with obtaining and registering your                    are date and time stamped. Your
                                                    We reference additional regulations                   DUNS number and TIN in SAM or                          application must be fully uploaded and
                                                  outlining funding restrictions in the                   updating your existing SAM account,                    submitted and must be date and time
                                                  Applicable Regulations section of this                  we have prepared a SAM.gov Tip Sheet,                  stamped by the Grants.gov system no
                                                  notice.                                                 which you can find at: www2.ed.gov/                    later than 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC
                                                    6. Data Universal Numbering System                    fund/grant/apply/;sam-faqs.html.                       time, on the application deadline date.
                                                  Number, Taxpayer Identification                            In addition, if you are submitting your             Except as otherwise noted in this
                                                  Number, and System for Award                            application via Grants.gov, you must (1)               section, we will not accept your
                                                  Management: To do business with the                     be designated by your organization as an               application if it is received—that is, date
                                                  Department of Education, you must—                      Authorized Organization Representative                 and time stamped by the Grants.gov
                                                    a. Have a Data Universal Numbering                    (AOR); and (2) register yourself with                  system—after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington,
                                                  System (DUNS) number and a Taxpayer                     Grants.gov as an AOR. Details on these                 DC time, on the application deadline
                                                  Identification Number (TIN);                            steps are outlined at the following                    date. We do not consider an application
                                                    b. Register both your DUNS number                     Grants.gov Web page: www.grants.gov/                   that does not comply with the deadline
                                                  and TIN with the System for Award                       web/grants/register.html.                              requirements. When we retrieve your
                                                  Management (SAM) (formerly the                             7. Other Submission Requirements.                   application from Grants.gov, we will
                                                  Central Contractor Registry (CCR)), the                 Applications for grants under this                     notify you if we are rejecting your
                                                  Government’s primary registrant                         competition must be submitted                          application because it was date and time
                                                  database;                                               electronically unless you qualify for an               stamped by the Grants.gov system after
                                                    c. Provide your DUNS number and                       exception to this requirement in                       4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on
                                                  TIN on your application; and                            accordance with the instructions in this               the application deadline date.
                                                    d. Maintain an active SAM                             section.                                                  • The amount of time it can take to
                                                  registration with current information                      a. Electronic Submission of                         upload an application will vary
                                                  while your application is under review                  Applications.                                          depending on a variety of factors,
                                                  by the Department and, if you are                          Applications for grants under the CSP               including the size of the application and
                                                  awarded a grant, during the project                     Grants for Replication and Expansion of                the speed of your Internet connection.
                                                  period.                                                 High-Quality Charter Schools, CFDA                     Therefore, we strongly recommend that
                                                    You can obtain a DUNS number from                     number 84.282M, must be submitted                      you do not wait until the application
                                                  Dun and Bradstreet. A DUNS number                       electronically using the                               deadline date to begin the submission
                                                  can be created within one-to-two                        Governmentwide Grants.gov Apply site                   process through Grants.gov.
                                                                                                          at www.Grants.gov. Through this site,                     • You should review and follow the
                                                  business days.
                                                                                                          you will be able to download a copy of                 Education Submission Procedures for
                                                    If you are a corporate entity, agency,
                                                                                                          the application package, complete it                   submitting an application through
                                                  institution, or organization, you can
                                                                                                          offline, and then upload and submit                    Grants.gov that are included in the
                                                  obtain a TIN from the Internal Revenue
                                                                                                          your application. You may not email an                 application package for this competition
                                                  Service. If you are an individual, you
                                                                                                          electronic copy of a grant application to              to ensure that you submit your
                                                  can obtain a TIN from the Internal
                                                                                                          us.                                                    application in a timely manner to the
                                                  Revenue Service or the Social Security
                                                                                                             We will reject your application if you              Grants.gov system. You can also find the
                                                  Administration. If you need a new TIN,
                                                                                                          submit it in paper format unless, as                   Education Submission Procedures
                                                  please allow 2–5 weeks for your TIN to
                                                                                                          described elsewhere in this section, you               pertaining to Grants.gov under News
                                                  become active.
                                                                                                          qualify for one of the exceptions to the               and Events on the Department’s G5
                                                    The SAM registration process can take
                                                                                                          electronic submission requirement and                  system home page at www.G5.gov.
                                                  approximately seven business days, but
                                                                                                          submit, no later than two weeks before                    • You will not receive additional
                                                  may take upwards of several weeks,
                                                                                                          the application deadline date, a written               point value because you submit your
                                                  depending on the completeness and
                                                                                                          statement to the Department that you                   application in electronic format, nor
                                                  accuracy of the data entered into the
                                                                                                          qualify for one of these exceptions.                   will we penalize you if you qualify for
                                                  SAM database by an entity. Thus, if you
                                                                                                          Further information regarding                          an exception to the electronic
                                                  think you might want to apply for
                                                                                                          calculation of the date that is two weeks              submission requirement, as described
                                                  Federal financial assistance under a
                                                                                                          before the application deadline date is                elsewhere in this section, and submit
                                                  program administered by the
                                                                                                          provided later in this section under                   your application in paper format.
                                                  Department, please allow sufficient time                                                                          • You must submit all documents
                                                                                                          Exception to Electronic Submission
                                                  to obtain and register your DUNS                                                                               electronically, including all information
                                                                                                          Requirement.
                                                  number and TIN. We strongly                                                                                    you typically provide on the following
                                                                                                             You may access the electronic grant
                                                  recommend that you register early.                                                                             forms: the Application for Federal
                                                                                                          application for CSP Grants for
                                                    Note: Once your SAM registration is active,           Replication and Expansion of High-                     Assistance (SF 424), the Department of
                                                  you will need to allow 24 to 48 hours for the           Quality Charter Schools at                             Education Supplemental Information for
                                                  information to be available in Grants.gov and           www.Grants.gov. You must search for                    SF 424, Budget Information—Non-
                                                  before you can submit an application through
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                                                                                                          the downloadable application package                   Construction Programs (ED 524), and all
                                                  Grants.gov.
                                                                                                          for this competition by the CFDA                       necessary assurances and certifications.
                                                    If you are currently registered with                  number. Do not include the CFDA                           • You must upload any narrative
                                                  SAM, you may not need to make any                       number’s alpha suffix in your search                   sections and all other attachments to
                                                  changes. However, please make certain                   (e.g., search for 84.282, not 84.282M).                your application as files in a .PDF
                                                  that the TIN associated with your DUNS                     Please note the following:                          (Portable Document) read-only, non-
                                                  number is correct. Also note that you                      • When you enter the Grants.gov site,               modifiable format. Specifically, do not
                                                  will need to update your registration                   you will find information about                        upload an interactive or fillable .PDF


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                                                  33506                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices

                                                  file. Do not upload an interactive or                   determination is made on whether your                    You must show proof of mailing
                                                  fillable PDF file. If you upload a file                 application will be accepted.                          consisting of one of the following:
                                                  type other than a read-only, non-                          Note: The extensions to which we refer in             (1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service
                                                  modifiable .PDF or submit a password-                   this section apply only to the unavailability          postmark.
                                                  protected file, we will not review that                 of, or technical problems with, the Grants.gov           (2) A legible mail receipt with the
                                                  material.                                               system. We will not grant you an extension             date of mailing stamped by the U.S.
                                                     • Your electronic application must                   if you failed to fully register to submit your         Postal Service.
                                                  comply with any page-limit                              application to Grants.gov before the                     (3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or
                                                  requirements described in this notice.                  application deadline date and time or if the           receipt from a commercial carrier.
                                                                                                          technical problem you experienced is
                                                     • After you electronically submit                    unrelated to the Grants.gov system.
                                                                                                                                                                   (4) Any other proof of mailing
                                                  your application, you will receive from                                                                        acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S.
                                                  Grants.gov an automatic notification of                    Exception to Electronic Submission                  Department of Education.
                                                  receipt that contains a Grants.gov                      Requirement: You qualify for an                          If you mail your application through
                                                  tracking number. (This notification                     exception to the electronic submission                 the U.S. Postal Service, we do not
                                                  indicates receipt by Grants.gov only, not               requirement, and may submit your                       accept either of the following as proof
                                                  receipt by the Department.) The                         application in paper format, if you are                of mailing:
                                                  Department then will retrieve your                      unable to submit an application through                  (1) A private metered postmark.
                                                  application from Grants.gov and send a                  the Grants.gov system because––                          (2) A mail receipt that is not dated by
                                                  second notification to you by email.                       • You do not have access to the                     the U.S. Postal Service.
                                                  This second notification indicates that                 Internet; or                                             If your application is postmarked after
                                                  the Department has received your                           • You do not have the capacity to                   the application deadline date, we will
                                                  application and has assigned your                       upload large documents to the                          not consider your application.
                                                  application a PR/Award number (an ED-                   Grants.gov system; and                                   Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not
                                                  specified identifying number unique to                     • No later than two weeks before the                uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before
                                                  your application).                                      application deadline date (14 calendar                 relying on this method, you should check
                                                     • We may request that you provide us                 days or, if the fourteenth calendar day                with your local post office.
                                                  original signatures on forms at a later                 before the application deadline date                     c. Submission of Paper Applications
                                                  date.                                                   falls on a Federal holiday, the next                   by Hand Delivery.
                                                     Application Deadline Date Extension                  business day following the Federal                       If you qualify for an exception to the
                                                  in Case of Technical Issues with the                    holiday), you mail or fax a written                    electronic submission requirement, you
                                                  Grants.gov System: If you are                           statement to the Department, explaining                (or a courier service) may deliver your
                                                  experiencing problems submitting your                   which of the two grounds for an                        paper application to the Department by
                                                  application through Grants.gov, please                  exception prevent you from using the                   hand. You must deliver the original and
                                                  contact the Grants.gov Support Desk,                    Internet to submit your application.                   two copies of your application by hand,
                                                  toll free, at 1–800–518–4726. You must                     If you mail your written statement to               on or before the application deadline
                                                  obtain a Grants.gov Support Desk Case                   the Department, it must be postmarked                  date, to the Department at the following
                                                  Number and must keep a record of it.                    no later than two weeks before the                     address: U.S. Department of Education,
                                                     If you are prevented from                            application deadline date. If you fax                  Application Control Center, Attention:
                                                  electronically submitting your                          your written statement to the                          CFDA Number 84.282M, 550 12th
                                                  application on the application deadline                 Department, we must receive the faxed                  Street, SW., Room 7039, Potomac Center
                                                  date because of technical problems with                 statement no later than two weeks                      Plaza, Washington, DC 20202–4260.
                                                  the Grants.gov system, we will grant you                before the application deadline date.                    The Application Control Center
                                                  an extension until 4:30:00 p.m.,                           Address and mail or fax your                        accepts hand deliveries daily between
                                                  Washington, DC time, the following                      statement to: Brian Martin, U.S.                       8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington,
                                                  business day to enable you to transmit                  Department of Education, 400 Maryland                  DC time, except Saturdays, Sundays,
                                                  your application electronically or by                   Avenue, SW., room 4W224,                               and Federal holidays.
                                                  hand delivery. You also may mail your                   Washington, DC 20202–5970. FAX:                           Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper
                                                  application by following the mailing                    (202) 205–5630.                                        Applications: If you mail or hand deliver
                                                  instructions described elsewhere in this                   Your paper application must be                      your application to the Department—
                                                  notice.                                                 submitted in accordance with the mail                     (1) You must indicate on the envelope
                                                     If you submit an application after                   or hand delivery instructions described                and—if not provided by the Department—in
                                                  4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on                   in this notice.                                        Item 11 of the SF 424 the CFDA number,
                                                  the application deadline date, please                      b. Submission of Paper Applications                 including suffix letter, if any, of the
                                                  contact the person listed under For                     by Mail.                                               competition under which you are submitting
                                                                                                                                                                 your application; and
                                                  Further Information Contact in section                     If you qualify for an exception to the                 (2) The Application Control Center will
                                                  VII of this notice and provide an                       electronic submission requirement, you                 mail to you a notification of receipt of your
                                                  explanation of the technical problem                    may mail (through the U.S. Postal                      grant application. If you do not receive this
                                                  you experienced with Grants.gov, along                  Service or a commercial carrier) your                  notification within 15 business days from the
                                                  with the Grants.gov Support Desk Case                   application to the Department. You                     application deadline date, you should call
                                                  Number. We will accept your                             must mail the original and two copies                  the U.S. Department of Education
                                                                                                                                                                 Application Control Center at (202) 245–
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                                                  application if we can confirm that a                    of your application, on or before the
                                                  technical problem occurred with the                     application deadline date, to the                      6288.
                                                  Grants.gov system and that that problem                 Department at the following address:
                                                  affected your ability to submit your                       U.S. Department of Education,                       V. Application Review Information
                                                  application by 4:30:00 p.m.,                            Application Control Center, Attention:                   1. Application Requirements:
                                                  Washington, DC time, on the                             CFDA Number 84.282M, LBJ Basement                      Applications for CSP Replication and
                                                  application deadline date. The                          Level 1, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,                     Expansion grant funds must address the
                                                  Department will contact you after a                     Washington, DC 20202–4260.                             following application requirements and


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices                                                33507

                                                  the selection criteria described in this                nature of the charter school is substantially            (j) Describe how all students in the
                                                  notice. An applicant may choose to                      related to the stated objective(s). An                 community, including students with
                                                  respond to the application requirements                 applicant that operates or is proposing to             disabilities, English learners, and other
                                                                                                          operate a single-sex charter school that is part
                                                  in the context of its responses to the                  of an LEA and not a single-school LEA under
                                                                                                                                                                 educationally disadvantaged students,
                                                  selection criteria.                                     State law, should also provide (1)                     will be informed about the proposed
                                                     These application requirements are                   information about whether there is a                   new or substantially expanded charter
                                                  from the Final Priorities for this                      substantially equal single-sex school(s) for           schools and given an equal opportunity
                                                  program.                                                students of the excluded sex, and, if so, a            to attend such schools.
                                                     (a) Describe the objectives of the                   detailed description of both the current or
                                                                                                          proposed single-sex charter school and the                Note: The applicant should provide a
                                                  project for replicating or substantially                                                                       detailed description of its recruitment and
                                                  expanding high-quality charter schools                  substantially equal single-sex school(s),
                                                                                                          based on the factors in 34 CFR 106.34(c)(3);           admissions policies and practices, including
                                                  (as defined in this notice) and the                                                                            a description of the lottery it plans to employ
                                                                                                          and (2) information about whether there is a
                                                  methods by which the applicant will                     substantially equal coeducational school(s)            at each charter school if more students apply
                                                  determine its progress toward achieving                 for students of the excluded sex, and, if so,          for admission than can be accommodated.
                                                  those objectives.                                       a detailed description of both the current or          The applicant should also describe any
                                                     (b) Describe how the applicant                       proposed single-sex charter school and the             current or planned use of a weighted lottery
                                                  currently operates or manages the                       substantially equal coeducational school(s),           or exemptions of certain categories of
                                                  charter schools for which it has                        based on the factors in 34 CFR 106.34(c)(3).           students from the lottery and how the use of
                                                                                                                                                                 such weights or exemptions is consistent
                                                  presented evidence of success, and how                     An applicant that currently offers or               with State law and the CSP authorizing
                                                  the proposed new or substantially                       is proposing to create or expand single-               statute. For information on the CSP lottery
                                                  expanded charter schools will be                        sex classes or extracurricular activities              requirement, including permissible
                                                  operated or managed. Include a                          at a coeducational charter school should               exemptions from the lottery and the
                                                  description of central office functions,                also include in its application, or as an              circumstances under which charter schools
                                                  governance, daily operations, financial                 addendum to its application, a detailed                receiving CSP funds may use weighted
                                                  management, human resources                             description of how it will comply with                 lotteries, see Section E of the CSP
                                                  management, and instructional                           applicable nondiscrimination laws,                     Nonregulatory Guidance at www2.ed.gov/
                                                  management. If applying as a group or                                                                          programs/charter/nonregulatory-
                                                                                                          including the Equal Protection Clause of               guidance.html (revised January 2014).
                                                  consortium, describe the roles and                      the U.S. Constitution (as interpreted in
                                                  responsibilities of each member of the                  United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515                  An application that proposes to use a
                                                  group or consortium and how each                        (1996) and other cases) and Title IX of                weighted lottery should provide the
                                                  member will contribute to this project.                 the Education Amendments of 1972 (20                   following:
                                                     (c) Describe how the applicant will                  U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) and its regulations,                (1) Information concerning the
                                                  ensure that each proposed new or                        including 34 CFR 106.34(b) with respect                circumstances in which a weighted
                                                  substantially expanded charter school                   to those single-sex offerings. The Title               lottery would be used, including the
                                                  receives its commensurate share of                      IX requirements are discussed in more                  specific categories of students the
                                                  Federal education funds that are                        detail in the Department’s ‘‘Questions                 weighted lottery would favor;
                                                  allocated by formula each year,                         and Answers on Title IX and Single-Sex                   (2) Evidence that (a) the use of a
                                                  including during the first year of                      Elementary and Secondary Classes and                   weighted lottery is necessary to comply
                                                  operation of the school and any year in                 Extracurricular Activities,’’ available at             with Federal or State law; or (b) the
                                                  which the school’s enrollment                           www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/                    State permits the use of a weighted
                                                  substantially expands.                                  docs/faqs-title-ix-single-sex-201412.pdf.              lottery under the circumstances in
                                                     (d) Describe the educational program                    (e) Describe the administrative                     which a weighted lottery is proposed to
                                                  to be implemented in the proposed new                   relationship between the charter school                be used (e.g., in favor of educationally
                                                  or substantially expanded charter                       or schools to be replicated or                         disadvantaged students). State
                                                  schools, including how the program will                 substantially expanded by the applicant                permission to use a weighted lottery can
                                                  enable all students (including                          and the authorized public chartering                   be evidenced by the fact that weighted
                                                  educationally disadvantaged students)                   agency.                                                lotteries for such students are expressly
                                                  to meet State student academic                             (f) Describe how the applicant will
                                                                                                                                                                 permitted under the State charter school
                                                  achievement standards, the grade levels                 provide for continued operation of the
                                                                                                                                                                 law, a State regulation, or a written State
                                                  or ages of students to be served, and the               proposed new or substantially expanded
                                                                                                                                                                 policy consistent with the State charter
                                                  curriculum and instructional practices                  charter school or schools once the
                                                                                                                                                                 school law or regulation, or, in the
                                                  to be used.                                             Federal grant has expired.
                                                                                                             (g) Describe how parents and other                  absence of express authorization,
                                                     Note: An applicant proposing to create or                                                                   confirmation from the State’s Attorney
                                                  substantially expand a single-sex charter
                                                                                                          members of the community will be
                                                                                                          involved in the planning, program                      General, in writing, that State law
                                                  school should include in its application, or                                                                   permits the use of weighted lotteries in
                                                  as an addendum to the application, a detailed           design, and implementation of the
                                                                                                          proposed new or substantially expanded                 favor of such students;
                                                  description of how it is complying with
                                                  applicable nondiscrimination laws, including            charter school or schools.                               (3) Information concerning the
                                                  the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S.                    (h) Include a request and justification             mechanisms that exist (if any) for an
                                                  Constitution (as interpreted in United States           for waivers of any Federal statutory or                oversight entity (e.g., the SEA or an
                                                  v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515 (1996) and other              regulatory provisions that the applicant               authorized public chartering agency) to
                                                  cases) and Title IX of the Education                                                                           review, approve, or monitor specific
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                                                                                                          believes are necessary for the successful
                                                  Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.)             operation of the proposed new or                       lottery practices, including the
                                                  and its regulations, including 34 CFR                                                                          establishment of weight amounts if
                                                  106.34(c). Specifically, the applicant should
                                                                                                          substantially expanded charter schools.
                                                                                                             (i) Describe how the grant funds will               applicable;
                                                  provide a written justification for each new
                                                  or existing single-sex charter school that              be used, including how these funds will                  (4) Information concerning how the
                                                  explains (1) how the single-sex charter school          be used in conjunction with other                      use of a weighted lottery for a permitted
                                                  is based on an important governmental                   Federal programs administered by the                   purpose is within the scope and
                                                  objective(s); and (2) how the single-sex                Secretary, and with any matching funds.                objectives of the proposed project; and


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                                                  33508                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices

                                                     (5) Information concerning the                       to protect personally identifiable                     populations of students served by the
                                                  amount or range of lottery weights that                 information); and                                      charter schools operated or managed by
                                                  will be employed or permitted and the                      (3) Where applicable and available,                 the applicant (15 points).
                                                  rationale for these weights.                            high school graduation rates, college                     (3) The degree, including the
                                                     (k) Describe how the proposed new or                 attendance rates, and college persistence              consistency over the past three years, to
                                                  substantially expanded charter schools                  rates (school-wide and by subgroup) for                which the applicant has achieved
                                                  that are considered to be LEAs under                    the past three years (if available) of                 results (including performance on
                                                  State law, or the LEAs in which the new                 students attending schools operated or                 statewide tests, annual student
                                                  or substantially expanded charter                       managed by the applicant, and the                      attendance and retention rates, high
                                                  schools are located, will comply with                   methodology used to calculate these                    school graduation rates, college
                                                  sections 613(a)(5) and 613(e)(1)(B) of the              rates (maintaining standards to protect                attendance rates, and college persistence
                                                  Individuals with Disabilities Education                 personally identifiable information).                  rates where applicable and available) for
                                                  Act (IDEA) (for additional information                  When reporting data for schools in                     low-income and other educationally
                                                  on IDEA, please see idea.ed.gov/                        States that may have particularly                      disadvantaged students served by the
                                                  explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute                        demanding or low standards of                          charter schools operated or managed by
                                                  %2CI%2CB%2C613%2C).                                     proficiency, applicants are invited to                 the applicant that are significantly
                                                     (l) Provide information on any                       discuss how their academic success                     above the average academic
                                                  significant compliance issues identified                might be considered against applicants                 achievement results for such students in
                                                  within the past three years for each                    from across the country.                               the State (15 points).
                                                  school managed by the applicant,                           (o) Provide such other information
                                                                                                                                                                    (b) Contribution in assisting
                                                  including compliance issues in the areas                and assurances as the Secretary may
                                                                                                                                                                 educationally disadvantaged students.
                                                  of student safety, financial management,                require.
                                                                                                             2. Selection Criteria. The selection                (76 FR 40898) (10 points)
                                                  and statutory or regulatory compliance.
                                                                                                          criteria for this program are from the                    The contribution the proposed project
                                                     (m) For each charter school currently
                                                                                                          Final Priorities for this program and 34               will make in assisting educationally
                                                  operated or managed by the applicant,
                                                                                                          CFR 75.210. The maximum possible                       disadvantaged students served by the
                                                  provide the following information: the
                                                                                                          score for addressing all of the criteria in            applicant to meet or exceed State
                                                  year founded, the grades currently
                                                                                                          this section is 100 points. The                        academic content standards and State
                                                  served, the number of students, the
                                                                                                          maximum possible score for addressing                  student academic achievement
                                                  address, the percentage of students in
                                                                                                          each criterion is indicated in                         standards, and to graduate college- and
                                                  each subgroup of students described in
                                                                                                          parentheses following the criterion.                   career-ready. When responding to this
                                                  section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the ESEA,
                                                                                                             In evaluating an application, the                   selection criterion, applicants must
                                                  results on the State assessment for the
                                                                                                          Secretary considers the following                      discuss the proposed locations of
                                                  past three years (if available) by
                                                                                                          criteria:                                              schools to be created or substantially
                                                  subgroup, attendance rates, student
                                                                                                             (a) Quality of the eligible applicant.              expanded and the student populations
                                                  attrition rates for the past three years,
                                                                                                          (76 FR 40898) (50 points)                              to be served.
                                                  and (if the school operates a 12th grade)
                                                                                                             In determining the quality of the                     Note: The Secretary encourages applicants
                                                  high school graduation rates and college
                                                                                                          applicant, the Secretary considers the                 to describe their prior success in improving
                                                  attendance rates (maintaining standards
                                                                                                          following factors—                                     educational achievement and outcomes for
                                                  to protect personally identifiable                         (1) The degree, including the                       educationally disadvantaged students,
                                                  information).                                           consistency over the past three years, to              including students with disabilities and
                                                    Note: The Secretary encourages applicants             which the applicant has demonstrated                   English learners. In addition, the Secretary
                                                  to also provide suspension and expulsion                success in significantly increasing                    encourages applicants to address how they
                                                  rates by each subgroup for the past three               student academic achievement and                       will ensure that all eligible students with
                                                  years (if available) for each charter school                                                                   disabilities receive a free appropriate public
                                                                                                          attainment for all students, including, as
                                                  currently operated or managed by the                                                                           education and how the proposed project will
                                                  applicant.                                              applicable, educationally disadvantaged                assist educationally disadvantaged students,
                                                                                                          students served by the charter schools                 including students with disabilities and
                                                    (n) Provide objective data showing                    operated or managed by the applicant                   English learners, in mastering State academic
                                                  applicant quality. In particular, the                   (20 points).                                           content standards and State student
                                                  Secretary requires the applicant to                        (2) Either—                                         academic achievement standards.
                                                  provide the following data:                                (i) The degree, including the
                                                    (1) Performance (school-wide and by                   consistency over the past three years, to                (c) Quality of the project design. (76
                                                  subgroup) for the past three years (if                  which the applicant has demonstrated                   FR 40898 and 34 CFR
                                                  available) on statewide tests of all                    success in closing historic achievement                75.210(c)(2)(xxviii)) (10 points)
                                                  charter schools operated or managed by                  gaps for the subgroups of students                       The Secretary considers the quality of
                                                  the applicant as compared to all                        described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II)              the design of the proposed project. In
                                                  students in other schools in the State or               of the ESEA at the charter schools                     determining the quality of the design of
                                                  States at the same grade level, and as                  operated or managed by the applicant,                  the proposed project, the Secretary
                                                  compared with other schools serving                     or                                                     considers the extent to which the goals,
                                                  similar demographics of students                           (ii) The degree, including the                      objectives, and outcomes to be achieved
                                                  (maintaining standards to protect                       consistency over the past three years, to              by the proposed project are clearly
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                                                  personally identifiable information);                   which there have not been significant                  specified, measurable, and attainable.
                                                    (2) Annual student attendance and                     achievement gaps between any of the                    Applicants proposing to open schools
                                                  retention rates (school-wide and by                     subgroups of students described in                     serving substantially different
                                                  subgroup) for the past three years (or                  section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)(II) of the ESEA               populations than those currently served
                                                  over the life of the school, if the school              at the charter schools operated or                     by the model for which they have
                                                  has been open for fewer than three                      managed by the applicant and to which                  demonstrated evidence of success must
                                                  years), and comparisons with other                      significant gains in student academic                  address the attainability of outcomes
                                                  similar schools (maintaining standards                  achievement have been made with all                    given this difference.


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                                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices                                            33509

                                                    (d) Quality of the management plan                    funds, achievement of project                          submit an annual performance report
                                                  and personnel. (76 FR 40898) (20                        objectives, and compliance with grant                  that provides the most current
                                                  points)                                                 conditions. The Secretary may also                     performance and financial expenditure
                                                    The Secretary considers the quality of                consider whether the applicant failed to               information as directed by the Secretary
                                                  the management plan and personnel to                    submit a timely performance report or                  under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary
                                                  replicate and substantially expand high-                submitted a report of unacceptable                     may also require more frequent
                                                  quality charter schools (as defined in                  quality.                                               performance reports under 34 CFR
                                                  this notice). In determining the quality                   In addition, in making a competitive                75.720(c). For specific requirements on
                                                  of the management plan and personnel                    grant award, the Secretary also requires               reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/
                                                  for the proposed project, the Secretary                 various assurances including those                     fund/grant/apply/appforms/
                                                  considers—                                              applicable to Federal civil rights laws                appforms.html.
                                                    (1) The adequacy of the management                    that prohibit discrimination in programs                 4. Performance Measures:
                                                  plan to achieve the objectives of the                   or activities receiving Federal financial                (a) Program Performance Measures.
                                                  proposed project on time and within                     assistance from the Department of                      The goal of the CSP is to support the
                                                  budget, including clearly defined                       Education (34 CFR 100.4, 104.5, 106.4,                 creation and development of a large
                                                  responsibilities, timelines, and                        108.8, and 110.23).                                    number of high-quality charter schools
                                                  milestones for accomplishing project                       4. Special Conditions: Under 2 CFR                  that are free from State or local rules
                                                  tasks (4 points).                                       3474.10, the Secretary may impose                      that inhibit flexible operation, are held
                                                    (2) The business plan for improving,                  special conditions and, in appropriate                 accountable for enabling students to
                                                  sustaining, and ensuring the quality and                circumstances, high-risk conditions on a               reach challenging State performance
                                                  performance of charter schools created                  grant if the applicant or grantee is not               standards, and are open to all students.
                                                  or substantially expanded under these                   financially stable; has a history of                   The Secretary has two performance
                                                  grants beyond the initial period of                     unsatisfactory performance; has a                      indicators to measure progress towards
                                                  Federal funding in areas including, but                 financial or other management system                   this goal: (1) the number of charter
                                                  not limited to, facilities, financial                   that does not meet the standards in 2                  schools in operation around the Nation,
                                                  management, central office, student                     CFR part 200, subpart D; has not                       and (2) the percentage of fourth- and
                                                  academic achievement, governance,                       fulfilled the conditions of a prior grant;             eighth-grade charter school students
                                                  oversight, and human resources of the                   or is otherwise not responsible.                       who are achieving at or above the
                                                  charter schools (4 points).                                                                                    proficient level on State assessments in
                                                    (3) A multi-year financial and                        VI. Award Administration Information                   mathematics and reading/language arts.
                                                  operating model for the organization, a                    1. Award Notices: If your application               Additionally, the Secretary has
                                                  demonstrated commitment of current                      is successful, we notify your U.S.                     established the following measure to
                                                  and future partners, and evidence of                    Representative and U.S. Senators and                   examine the efficiency of the CSP:
                                                  broad support from stakeholders critical                send you a Grant Award Notification                    Federal cost per student in
                                                  to the project’s long-term success (4                   (GAN); or we may send you an email                     implementing a successful school
                                                  points).                                                containing a link to access an electronic              (defined as a school in operation for
                                                    (4) The plan for closing charter                      version of your GAN. We may notify                     three or more consecutive years).
                                                  schools supported, overseen, or                         you informally, also.                                    (b) Project-Specific Performance
                                                  managed by the applicant that do not                       If your application is not evaluated or             Measures. Applicants must propose
                                                  meet high standards of quality (2                       not selected for funding, we notify you.               project-specific performance measures
                                                  points).                                                   2. Administrative and National Policy               and performance targets consistent with
                                                    (5) The qualifications, including                     Requirements: We identify                              the objectives of the proposed project.
                                                  relevant training and experience, of the                administrative and national policy                     Applications must provide the
                                                  project director, chief executive officer               requirements in the application package                following information as directed under
                                                  or organization leader, and key project                 and reference these and other                          34 CFR 75.110(b) and (c):
                                                  personnel, especially in managing                       requirements in the Applicable                           (1) Performance measures. How each
                                                  projects of the size and scope of the                   Regulations section of this notice.                    proposed performance measure (as
                                                  proposed project (6 points).                               We reference the regulations outlining              defined in this notice) would accurately
                                                    (e) Quality of the evaluation plan. (34               the terms and conditions of an award in                measure the performance of the project
                                                  CFR 75.210(h)(2)(iv)) (10 points)                       the Applicable Regulations section of                  and how the proposed performance
                                                    The Secretary considers the quality of                this notice and include these and other                measure would be consistent with the
                                                  the evaluation to be conducted of the                   specific conditions in the GAN. The                    performance measures established for
                                                  proposed project. In determining the                    GAN also incorporates your approved                    the program funding the competition.
                                                  quality of the evaluation, the Secretary                application as part of your binding                      (2) Baseline data. (i) Why each
                                                  considers the extent to which the                       commitments under the grant.                           proposed baseline (as defined in this
                                                  methods of evaluation include the use                      3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a                notice) is valid; or (ii) If the applicant
                                                  of objective performance measures that                  grant under this competition, you must                 has determined that there are no
                                                  are clearly related to the intended                     ensure that you have in place the                      established baseline data for a particular
                                                  outcomes of the project and will                        necessary processes and systems to                     performance measure, an explanation of
                                                  produce quantitative and qualitative                    comply with the reporting requirements                 why there is no established baseline and
                                                  data.                                                   in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive                   of how and when, during the project
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                                                    3. Review and Selection Process: We                   funding under the competition. This                    period, the applicant would establish a
                                                  remind potential applicants that in                     does not apply if you have an exception                valid baseline for the performance
                                                  reviewing applications in any                           under 2 CFR 170.110(b).                                measure.
                                                  discretionary grant competition, the                       (b) At the end of your project period,                (3) Performance targets. Why each
                                                  Secretary may consider, under 34 CFR                    you must submit a final performance                    proposed performance target (as defined
                                                  75.217(d)(3), the past performance of the               report, including financial information,               in this notice) is ambitious (as defined
                                                  applicant in carrying out a previous                    as directed by the Secretary. If you                   in this notice) yet achievable compared
                                                  award, such as the applicant’s use of                   receive a multi-year award, you must                   to the baseline for the performance


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                                                  33510                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 113 / Friday, June 12, 2015 / Notices

                                                  measure and when, during the project                    grantee is operating in compliance with                DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
                                                  period, the applicant would meet the                    the assurances in its approved
                                                                                                                                                                 [OE Docket No. PP–400]
                                                  performance target(s).                                  application, including those applicable
                                                    Note: The Secretary encourages applicants             to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit             Notice of Availability (NOA) for the
                                                  to consider measures and targets tied to their          discrimination in programs or activities               Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                  grant activities (for instance, if grant funds          receiving Federal financial assistance                 (EIS) and Announcement of Public
                                                  will support professional development for               from the Department (34 CFR 100.4,                     Hearings for the Proposed New
                                                  teachers and other staff, applicants should
                                                                                                          104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).                      England Clean Power Link (NECPL)
                                                  include measures related to the outcomes for
                                                  the professional development), as well as to                                                                   Transmission Line
                                                                                                          VII. Agency Contact
                                                  student academic achievement during the
                                                                                                                                                                 AGENCY:  U.S. Department of Energy.
                                                  grant period. The measures should be                      For Further Information Contact:
                                                  sufficient to gauge the progress throughout                                                                    ACTION: Notice of availability and public
                                                                                                          Brian Martin, U.S. Department of
                                                  the grant period, and show results by the end                                                                  hearings.
                                                  of the grant period.
                                                                                                          Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW.,
                                                                                                          room 4W224, Washington, DC 20202–                      SUMMARY:    The U.S. Department of
                                                     For technical assistance in developing               5970. Telephone: (202) 205–9085 or by                  Energy (DOE) announces the availability
                                                  effective performance measures,                         email: brian.martin@ed.gov.                            of the ‘‘Draft Environmental Impact
                                                  applicants are encouraged to review                                                                            Statement for the New England Clean
                                                  information provided by the                               If you use a TDD or a TTY, call the
                                                                                                          FRS, toll free, at 1–800–877–8339.                     Power Link Transmission Line Project’’
                                                  Department’s Regional Educational                                                                              (DOE/EIS–0503) for public review and
                                                  Laboratories (RELs). The RELs seek to                   VIII. Other Information                                comment. DOE is also announcing two
                                                  build the capacity of States and school                                                                        public hearings to receive comments on
                                                  districts to incorporate data and                          Accessible Format: Individuals with                 the Draft EIS. The Draft EIS evaluates
                                                  research into education decision-                       disabilities can obtain this document                  the environmental impacts of DOE’s
                                                  making. Each REL provides research                      and a copy of the application package in               proposed Federal action of issuing a
                                                  support and technical assistance to its                 an accessible format (e.g., braille, large             Presidential permit to the Applicant:
                                                  region but makes learning opportunities                 print, audiotape, or compact disc) on                  Champlain VT, LLC, doing business as
                                                  available to educators everywhere. For                  request to the program contact person                  TDI New England (‘‘TDI–NE’’), to
                                                  example, the REL Northeast and Islands                  listed under For Further Information                   construct, operate, maintain, and
                                                  has created the following resource on                   Contact in section VII of this notice.                 connect a new electric transmission line
                                                  logic models: relpacific.mcrel.org/                                                                            across the U.S./Canada border in
                                                  resources/elm-app.                                         Electronic Access to This Document:
                                                                                                          The official version of this document is               northern Vermont.
                                                     (4) The applicant must also describe
                                                  in the application: (i) the data collection             the document published in the Federal                  DATES: DOE invites interested Members
                                                  and reporting methods the applicant                     Register. Free Internet access to the                  of Congress, state and local
                                                  would use and why those methods are                     official edition of the Federal Register               governments, other Federal agencies,
                                                  likely to yield reliable, valid, and                    and the Code of Federal Regulations is                 American Indian tribal governments,
                                                  meaningful performance data, and (ii)                   available via the Federal Digital System               organizations, and members of the
                                                  the applicant’s capacity to collect and                 at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you                public to provide comments on the Draft
                                                  report reliable, valid, and meaningful                  can view this document, as well as all                 EIS during the 60-day public comment
                                                  performance data, as evidenced by high-                 other documents of this Department                     period. The public comment period
                                                  quality data collection, analysis, and                  published in the Federal Register, in                  starts on June 12, 2015, with the
                                                  reporting in other projects or research.                                                                       publication in the Federal Register by
                                                                                                          text or Adobe Portable Document
                                                                                                                                                                 the U.S. Environmental Protection
                                                    Note: If the applicant does not have                  Format (PDF). To use PDF you must
                                                                                                                                                                 Agency of its Notice of Availability of
                                                  experience with collection and reporting of             have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
                                                  performance data through other projects or                                                                     the Draft EIS, and will continue until
                                                                                                          available free at the site.                            August 11, 2015. Written and oral
                                                  research, the applicant should provide other
                                                  evidence of capacity to successfully carry out             You may also access documents of the                comments will be given equal weight
                                                  data collection and reporting for their                 Department published in the Federal                    and all comments received or
                                                  proposed project.                                       Register by using the article search                   postmarked by that date will be
                                                     All grantees must submit an annual                   feature at: www.federalregister.gov.                   considered by DOE in preparing the
                                                  performance report with information                     Specifically, through the advanced                     Final EIS. Comments received or
                                                  that is responsive to these performance                 search feature at this site, you can limit             postmarked after that date will be
                                                  measures.                                               your search to documents published by                  considered to the extent practicable.
                                                     5. Continuation Awards: In making a                  the Department.                                           Locations, dates, and start time for the
                                                  continuation award under 34 CFR                                                                                public hearings are listed in the
                                                                                                            Dated: June 8, 2015.
                                                  75.253, the Secretary considers, among                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
                                                                                                          Nadya Chinoy Dabby,                                    this NOA.
                                                  other things: whether a grantee has
                                                  made substantial progress in achieving                  Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and          ADDRESSES: Requests to provide oral
                                                  the goals and objectives of the project;                Improvement.                                           comments at the public hearings may be
                                                  whether the grantee has expended funds                  [FR Doc. 2015–14386 Filed 6–11–15; 8:45 am]            made at the time of the hearing(s).
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                                                  in a manner that is consistent with its                 BILLING CODE 4000–01–P                                    Written comments on the Draft EIS
                                                  approved application and budget; and,                                                                          may be provided on the NECPL EIS Web
                                                  if the Secretary has established                                                                               site at http://necplinkeis.com/
                                                  performance measurement                                                                                        (preferred) or addressed to Mr. Brian
                                                  requirements, the performance targets in                                                                       Mills, Office of Electricity Delivery and
                                                  the grantee’s approved application. In                                                                         Energy Reliability (OE–20), U.S.
                                                  making a continuation grant, the                                                                               Department of Energy, 1000
                                                  Secretary also considers whether the                                                                           Independence Avenue SW.,


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Document Created: 2018-02-22 10:16:03
Document Modified: 2018-02-22 10:16:03
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesApplications Available: June 12, 2015.
ContactBrian Martin, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., room 4W224, Washington, DC 20202- 5970. Telephone: (202) 205-9085 or by email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 33499 

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